The Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha biennial elections in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday rejected the nomination papers of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan, dealing a significant setback to the opposition party ahead of the polls.
The development came amid heightened political activity, with the Congress also encountering difficulties in implementing its strategy of moving party MLAs to Bengaluru for a resort stay ahead of the election process.
Simultaneously, the Bharatiya Janata Party raised objections to Natarajan’s nomination, alleging that she had failed to disclose information related to a matter pending before a court in Telangana.
According to the BJP’s objection, former corporate executive A Srilatha has approached the Fourth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, alleging that Natarajan extended political patronage to Kumbham Shivakumar Reddy.
Srilatha has levelled allegations against Reddy that include molestation and issuing death threats.
The BJP contended that the pending court matter should have appeared in Natarajan’s nomination documents.
The objection emerged as a key issue during the scrutiny of nomination papers. The Returning Officer ultimately rejected the nominations on that basis.
The controversy has added a new dimension to the Rajya Sabha election process in Madhya Pradesh. The BJP and Congress have engaged in a sharp political exchange over the issue.
Responding to the development, Congress leader Umang Singhar described the BJP’s objection as politically motivated. He argued that no formal case had been registered against Natarajan and that she had only received a court notice.
According to him, Election Commission norms require candidates to disclose cases only after formal registration. He said the requirement does not apply merely upon the issuance of a notice.
Natarajan also rejected the allegations, describing the proceedings as part of a political conspiracy. She opposed Srilatha’s petition before the Hyderabad court and maintained that the case was an attempt to damage her reputation.
Singhar further accused the BJP of attempting to influence the electoral process. He also asserted that Congress remained united and committed to democratic principles.
Umang Singhar said the party would continue its campaign in the Rajya Sabha elections.
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