EC disqualifies MP Minister for paid news

New Delhi, June 24: The Election Commission has disqualified Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Minister Narottam Mishra and barred him from contesting elections for three years for allegedly being involved in paid news during the 2008 assembly elections, an official said.

"As per law, Mishra stands disqualified from the date of issuance of order and debarred further for three years from contesting elections," an Election Commission official said.

The EC decision came on a complaint by Rajendra Bharti, who had fought the 2008 elections as a BSP candidate, but is now with the Congress. Bharti had filed the complaint of paid news in April 2009.