In a significant development, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has disqualified BJP MLA Kanwarlal Meena following his conviction in a 2005 case where he pointed a pistol at an SDM. The Assembly issued an official notification declaring his seat in the Anta constituency vacant, reported the India Today.
Speaker Vasudev Devnani stated that the disqualification was in accordance with Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution and Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. He clarified that the disqualification took effect from the date of conviction and emphasized that the move was based solely on legal counsel provided by the Advocate General of Rajasthan.
“I act without any pressure. Every decision is taken after legal analysis and with constitutional adherence,” Devnani stated. He warned against politicising the issue, highlighting that previous Speakers had followed similar legal procedures in comparable cases.
The Speaker also revealed that Kanwarlal was issued a notice asking whether the Supreme Court had provided any relief regarding his sentence. As no such stay was granted, the Assembly was bound to act.
Reacting to the decision, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Julie hailed the disqualification as a victory for justice and constitutional integrity. He said the Congress Party’s persistent efforts to uphold the Constitution had borne fruit. “Satyameva Jayate—truth has prevailed,” Julie remarked, crediting Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for leading the party’s fight to protect democratic values.
Julie called the disqualification a major step in the Congress’s ongoing ‘Save Constitution’ campaign, stressing that it reinforced the supremacy of law and democracy.
