Congress suspends former MP Rajendra Bharti ahead of Datia by‑election results

The Indian National Congress announced the suspension of former Madhya Pradesh MLA Rajendra Bharti’s primary party membership on the night before the Datia Assembly by‑election results were to be declared. No official reason was given, but party sources said the move followed accusations by the Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh that Bharti had acted against the party during the campaign. Bharti, a three‑time MLA who defeated former Home Minister Narottam Mishra in 2023, had his legislative seat vacated after a special court sentenced him to three years in prison for a cooperative‑bank fraud case, prompting the by‑poll. The suspension was approved by All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge. The by‑election pits Ghanshyam Singh against BJP’s Ashutosh Tiwari and several other candidates, and the disciplinary action is being viewed as a signal of internal party control.