Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh: The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat has officially declared the seat of MLA Rajendra Bharti vacant after his disqualification, following his court conviction in bank fraud case.
According to the official order issued on April 2, 2026, Bharti, who was elected from the Datia constituency, was found guilty in a criminal case by a special MP/MLA court at the Rouse Avenue District Court in New Delhi.
The court sentenced him to 3 years of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹1 lakh.
As per the provisions of the Constitution of India and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, any elected representative convicted and sentenced to 2 years or more is disqualified from holding membership.
Acting on these legal provisions, the Assembly Secretariat declared that Bharti stands disqualified from the date of his conviction, i.e., April 2, 2026.
The order also cited compliance with a Supreme Court directive dated July 10, 2013, which mandates immediate disqualification of convicted lawmakers.
Following this decision, Bharti’s membership in the Assembly has been terminated, and the Datia Assembly seat has been declared vacant.
The notification has been circulated to key authorities, including the Election Commission of India and senior state officials, for further necessary action.
An official gazette publication process has also been initiated to formalize the vacancy.
