Bhopal: The Congress on Sunday suspended the primary membership of former Madhya Pradesh MLA Rajendra Bharti ahead of the Datia Assembly by-election results, amid allegations of anti-party activities.
While the party’s official order did not cite any reason, sources said the action followed complaints by Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh, who accused Bharti of working against the party during the bypoll campaign. The two leaders had publicly traded allegations in recent days.
A three-time MLA, Bharti rose to prominence after defeating former Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra in the 2023 Assembly elections. His suspension was approved by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, party sources said.
Earlier this year, Bharti lost his Assembly membership after being sentenced to three years in an old cooperative bank fraud case. His bid to secure a stay on the conviction from the High Court failed, making him ineligible to contest the Datia by-election.
Party insiders said the suspension was intended to send a strong message on discipline and loyalty within the organisation ahead of the bypoll results.
