Congress Leader Takes Legal Route After Election Setback
A fresh legal and political contest has emerged ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, with senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan approaching the Supreme Court of India against the rejection of her nomination papers.
The move comes days before voting for the Upper House seats and has added a new dimension to the political battle between the Congress and the BJP in the state.
Nomination Rejection Sparks Court Challenge
In her petition, Natarajan has reportedly questioned the decision of the Returning Officer, arguing that the order was legally flawed and unfair.
According to the plea, the rejection of her candidature was “arbitrary, biased and contrary to law.” She has requested the apex court to intervene urgently and overturn the decision.
The Congress leader is also expected to seek an expedited hearing, citing the time-sensitive nature of the Rajya Sabha election process.
Dispute Centres Around Election Affidavit
The controversy began during scrutiny of nomination papers for the June 18 Rajya Sabha election.
As per official records, objections were raised by BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat, who alleged that certain information had not been disclosed in Natarajan’s election affidavit.
Following the complaint, Returning Officer Arvind Sharma ruled that the affidavit was incomplete, leading to the rejection of her nomination.
The order stated that relevant details relating to a court complaint had not been mentioned in the documents submitted with the nomination papers.
Congress Alleges Wrongful Rejection
The Congress has strongly contested the decision and maintains that no criminal case is pending against Natarajan.
Party leaders argue that the complaint cited during scrutiny has not been formally taken cognisance of by any court and therefore did not require disclosure in the manner alleged by the Returning Officer.
A delegation of senior Congress leaders, including K C Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, Jairam Ramesh and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, recently met election authorities to press for reconsideration of the decision.
BJP Eyes Clean Sweep in Madhya Pradesh
The nomination dispute has significant political implications. With Natarajan currently out of the race, the BJP appears well-positioned to secure all three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh.
The ruling party already holds the numbers needed to elect its candidates, including Tarun Chugh and Rajneesh Agrawal.
If the Supreme Court does not grant relief before the election process concludes, BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat could effectively secure the third seat without facing a contest.
All Eyes on Apex Court
The Supreme Court’s response is now being closely watched by both political camps. A favourable order for Natarajan could revive the contest, while rejection of her plea may clear the way for a BJP sweep in the state’s Rajya Sabha elections.
