JAIPUR: The Congress party has approached the Election Commission urging the disqualification of BJP’s Karanpur candidate, Surendra Pal Singh TT, who recently took oath as a state minister in Rajasthan. The upcoming by-poll in Sriganganagar’s Karanpur constituency is scheduled for January 5, following the unfortunate demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Konoor on November 15.
The Congress alleges that TT’s ministerial appointment is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, considering his candidacy in the impending by-election. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra contends, “His appointment as a cabinet minister is clearly in violation of election laws and also in violation of the model code of conduct.”
A six-member Congress delegation, led by state president Govind Singh Dotasra, submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission on Sunday, emphasizing that TT’s induction as a minister during the ongoing election process is against the principles of fair play.
Referring to Clause 32 of election laws, Dotasra pointed out that such ad-hoc appointments during the poll process are prohibited. The Congress has requested the Election Commission to disqualify TT from contesting the by-election.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the BJP’s actions, stating, “BJP’s move to administer the oath of a candidate as a minister, despite the Karnapur constituency being under the regulation of the MCC, is a clear attempt to influence the voters.”
Responding to the allegations, BJP leader Rajendra Rathore argued that the appointment of a person as a minister aligns with constitutional provisions and accused the Congress of misinterpreting election laws.
The Election Commission is expected to review the Congress’s appeal as the controversy unfolds in the lead-up to the by-poll.
