Lokayukta sends special report to Gov over delay in disqualification of 2 MLAs

Lokayukta had found that Umashankar and Bajrang Bahadur continued to work as contractors for PWD even after being elected as MLAs, which is in violation of RP Act and attracts disqualification.

Mehrotra had said he forwarded the matter to CM in an interim report as a Supreme Court mandated that the complaints related to disqualification of legislators be sent to competent authorities without delay.

Mehrotra had started the inquiry against Umashankar after a complaint was filed by one Subhash Chandra, alleging that his firm Chhatra Shakti Constructions continued to take PWD contracts even when he became an MLA in March, 2012.

Lokayukta had then asked the list of all those legislators who were workings as contractors and the name of Bajrang Bahadur figured in the list. Mehrotra had then sought replies from both MLAs on finding it in violation of section 9 (A) of RP Act.

Sources said the government had referred the matter to Raj Bhawan. The Governor had then sought the opinion of Election Commission on the matter.

In his special report sent to Governor Tuesday, Mehrotra has said the action is yet to be taken in the matter even as the MLAs have completed half of their term. Citing the delay in action, Mehrotra said the violation of rules is corruption and remaining a spectator to corruption also amounts to graft.

Umashankar is an MLA from Rasra constituency of Ballia while Bajrang Bahadur is an MLA from Pharenda seat of Maharajganj district.