Why Was Rajasthan BJP MLA Kanwarlal Meena Disqualified?

Jaipur, May 23 (NationPress) The membership of Rajasthan BJP MLA, Kanwarlal Meena, has been officially terminated following his conviction for threatening an SDM with a firearm back in 2005. The Assembly has released a formal notification confirming this decision.

On Friday, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani announced that the Anta constituency representative, Kanwarlal, has been disqualified from the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly as a result of his court conviction. This disqualification adheres to Article 191(1)(e) of the Indian Constitution and Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Devnani clarified that the disqualification took effect from the date of conviction, leading to the declaration of the Anta (193) Assembly seat in District Baran as vacant. The Speaker highlighted that this decision followed legal counsel from the Advocate General of Rajasthan.

“I operate without any external pressure,” he stressed. “All actions are taken strictly following legal guidelines and after a comprehensive review of all relevant factors.” He pointed out that there is a history of such situations, noting that prior Speakers have also taken time to deliberate on similar cases. Devnani cautioned against politicizing the matter, emphasizing that it is fundamentally a legal issue.

He explained that the Advocate General was consulted on the same day of the court’s ruling concerning MLA Kanwarlal. According to established legal statutes, an MLA becomes disqualified from the moment of conviction, and the notification regarding the vacancy of the seat is formally issued by the Legislative Assembly. He also mentioned Article 177 of the Constitution, asserting that the Advocate General holds the constitutional right to engage in Legislative Assembly proceedings and provide legal insights as necessary. Previously, the Assembly Secretariat had sent a notice to Kanwarlal, requesting a response by May 7.

He was to clarify whether he had received a reprieve from the Supreme Court to stay his sentence. As the Supreme Court did not grant a suspension of the conviction or sentence, the Speaker had no choice but to annul his membership.

In related news, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Tikaram Julie, has hailed the disqualification of convicted MLA Kanwarlal Meena as a “victory of justice, truth, and the Constitution.” He viewed the Assembly Speaker's action as a result of the Congress Party's ongoing efforts to uphold constitutional integrity.

“Satyameva Jayate—truth has triumphed. This is a success for the Congress Party's campaign to protect the Constitution,” Julie stated.

He credited this accomplishment to the vision and determination of national leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, asserting that the Congress has remained resolute in its commitment to defend constitutional principles.

Julie described the development as a significant milestone in the Congress Party’s ‘Save Constitution’ initiative, stressing that their efforts are anchored in the rule of law and democratic ideals. “Our movement followed the path laid out by our leaders, and ultimately, the Constitution prevailed. Its dignity has been safeguarded,” he concluded.