Date:29/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/29/stories/2007062955141400.htm

National

Disqualify BJP MP: Election Commission

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi: The Election Commission has recommended to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam disqualification of Krishna Murari Mughe, BJP Member of Parliament from Khargone in Madhya Pradesh, for holding an office of profit.

The decision is a sequel to a complaint made by Jamuna Devi of the Congress, leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, who said the State Government had in 2004 appointed Mr. Mughe Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Group with the status of Cabinet Minister and with perquisites and allowances. When Parliament amended the law on the office of profit and included certain posts within its purview, the post held by Mr. Mughe was not covered. For, it was created by the State Government.

Ms. Jamuna Devi’s complaint to the President was forwarded to the Commission, which after a due inquiry found that Mr. Mughe, by holding the post of Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Group, incurred disqualification, EC sources said. If he is disqualified before July 19, date of the Presidential poll, the BJP will lose the vote of an MP.