BJP welcomes SC verdict on convicted lawmakers

The BJP welcomed the Supreme Court verdict that convicted lawmakers should be disqualified from contesting even if they have filed an appeal.

New Delhi: The BJP on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict that convicted lawmakers should be disqualified from contesting even if they have filed an appeal and said government should carry out electoral reforms expeditiously and on a priority basis.

"The process of electoral reforms should be expedited in the light of this verdict. Government should do it on a priority basis," BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said. However, the party maintained that it has not studied the Supreme Court judgement in detail and would come up with a structured response later. Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad said serious questions having wide ramifications on the issue have been raised in the past. "BJP always welcomes any step aimed at purifying and strengthening the political system," Prasad said. The Supreme Court struck down as ultra vires a provision of the RPA which protects convicted lawmakers against disqualification on the ground of pendency of appeal against their conviction in higher courts. PTI