Maharashtra Cong MLA disqualified after conviction in bank scam case

“And Whereas, consequent upon the conviction of Shri Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, he stands disqualified for being a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the date of his conviction i.e. 22nd day of December, 2023 in terms of the provisions of Article 191 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India r/w section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Now, therefore, in accordance with sub-clause (a) of clause (3) of Article 190 of the Constitution of India, the seat of Shri Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has become vacant from the date of his conviction,” said the notification from legislature secretariat.

A five-term MLA from Saoner in Nagpur district, Sunil Kedar is known as one of the aggressive faces of the Congress in Vidarbha.

A popular name among the young workers of the party, his name was also rumoured to be in the list of next president of the state unit of the party. Known for his close relationship with former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath, Sunil was one of the key Congress leaders who led party to victory in Nagpur Zilla Parishad as well in the Nagpur graduate constituency during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

Reacting to his disqualification, Maharashtra Congress said that it respects the process of the law.

“We have no intention to interfere in the process of the law, but it must be highlighted that action against opposition legislators is taken without even giving them an opportunity to appeal to the higher authority. On the contrary, BJP legislators are given ample of opportunities to approach the higher court,” said state unit’s chief spokesperson Atul Londhe.