Presidential poll: BJP loses strength | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Presidential poll: BJP loses strength

Hindustan Times | ByShekhar Iyer, New Delhi
Jul 12, 2007 06:57 PM IST

President has accepted EC's recommendation to disqualify BJP MP Moghe on the ground that he held an office of profit by holding a post with the status of Cabinet minister in MP, reports Shekhar Iyer.

President APJ Abdul Kalam has accepted the Election Commission’s recommendation to disqualify BJP MP Krishan Murari Moghe on the ground that he held an office of profit by holding a post with the status of cabinet minister in Madhya Pradesh.

The Commission had sent its opinion to the President last month, causing the BJP to say that the EC could have waited till the completion of the election of the President.

But, party leaders say, the BJP has only to blame itself because its government had failed to include the post of chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Group held by Moghe in the list of positions that were granted exemption by an amendment to the Office of Profit Act.

HT Image
HT Image

The post held by Moghe was not covered when Parliament amended the law on the office of profit and included certain posts within its purview. The state assembly too had not enacted any exemption.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

With Moghe’s disqualification, the BJP’s strength in the electoral college has come down by two members. Senior BJP leader Sahib Singh Verma died in a car mishap recently. (Moghe’s disqualification is to be notified by a gazette shortly.)

The EC acted on a complaint made by Jamuna Devi, leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, who said the state government appointed Moghe as chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Group with the status of Cabinet minister and with perquisites and allowances. Kalam had forwarded Devi’s complaint to the EC.

Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj had said action against her party MP Krishan Murari Moghe could have taken after the completion of the poll process. "It would have been appropriate if they have waited until July 19."

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On