Minister Govind Singh Rajput Cleared in Election Affidavit Case, Plea Dismissed

High Court Dismisses Plea Against Minister Rajput

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted significant relief to Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput by dismissing a petition filed by Congress leader Neeraj Sharma. The petition alleged that the minister had concealed property-related information in his election affidavit during the assembly elections.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal, after hearing the case, deemed Congress leader Neeraj Sharma's petition 'entirely misconceived' and rejected it on July 29, 2026. Another related petition filed by Congress leader Rajkumar Dhanora was also heard jointly.

Allegations of Hiding Property Details

Both petitions alleged that Minister Govind Singh Rajput had failed to include details of properties belonging to an education committee related to his family in his election affidavit. Representing the minister, advocate Vivek Ranjan Pandey argued in court that according to the Representation of the People Act, a candidate is only obligated to provide details of their own assets and those of their dependents. He stated that Minister Rajput had submitted complete details of all his and his dependent wife's properties in the affidavit and had not concealed any information.

Timeliness of Petitions Questioned

Advocate Pandey further argued that both petitions were filed approximately two years after the assembly elections concluded, which is not in line with the spirit of election laws. He also noted that the Election Commission of India had urged the court to dismiss these petitions.

Minister Rajput Cites Image Smearing Attempt

Following the verdict, Minister Govind Singh Rajput stated that he has contested seven assembly elections to date and has never concealed any information in his election affidavits. He asserted that no election petition has ever been filed against him. He claimed that the writ petitions were filed against him based on false and misleading facts with the sole intention of gaining cheap publicity in the media and tarnishing his image.

The minister expressed full faith in the judiciary and expressed his confidence in receiving justice.