Sunil Kedar, senior Congress leader, and former Maharashtra Minister has been disqualified from the State Legislative Assembly following his conviction by a court in the infamous Rs 150 crore Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCCB) Scam. A gazette order of the State Legislature Secretariat issued on Saturday says, ‘Kedar stands disqualified as MLA from the date of his conviction on December 22 under provisions of Article 19 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The order further clears, ‘Now, therefore, in accordance with sub-clause (a) of clause (3) of Article 190 of the Constitution of India, the seat of Sunil Kedar, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has become vacant from the date of his conviction--December 22, 2023’

 

This development that stripped Kedar of his MLA-ship has brought Congress in trouble against the backdrop of Party’s foundation day programme to be held on December 28 at Nagpur in presence of galaxy of leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge. Kedar is a senior leader of the Party and was given the responsibility of the December 28 convention. Congress has given lot of importance to the rally with an eye on 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Congress leaders have already made their intention clear that the public meet would likely start the Party’s Lok Sabha elections campaign. Now, it would be interesting to see whether Congress would go ahead with its plans with leaders or without senior leaders or continue with the original plans. All the senior leaders should need to come with the proper preparations while facing the volley of questions on Kedar issue.

 

Meanwhile, the stay of Kedar in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) is likely to continue till Monday. After the verdict delivered by a court on Friday, Kedar was moved to GMCH as he suffered uneasiness. Some tests were conducted on him and on the basis of the same he was admitted in the hospital. According to doctors, he is stable but not well. Sources in GMCH said he suffered from mild migrane attack on Sunday. Some more tests were conducted on him. It is not confirmed but angiography may be conducted on him on Monday.