Edmonton-Ellerslie MLA withdrawing nomination from PC Party

PC MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie Naresh Bardwaj

The Progressive Conservative MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie announced Monday that he’s bowed out of the race – even though his party cleared him of any wrongdoing.

PC MLA Naresh Bhardwaj announced in a statement Monday that he was withdrawing his nomination as PC candidate in his constituency.

He won the nomination, but was accused of bribing an opponent to not run.

The matter was investigated by the party, and PC Alberta has cleared Bhardwaj of any wrongdoing.

It was alleged Bhardwaj offered a bribe to someone, to undermine the nomination papers of a man seeking the PC nomination in his constituency.

On March 13, Bhardwaj stepped away from his cabinet post to deal with the allegations.

The Edmonton Police Service is deciding whether an investigation is needed after New Democrat MLA Brian Mason lodged a complaint.

“My understanding is Mr. Bhardwaj will remain as an MLA, he’s indicated he’s not running again, he will continue to serve his constituents for the remainder of his term,” Deputy Government House Leader Jonathan Denis said.

Bhardwaj has sued the man who accused him of bribery, for defamation.