Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh was rejected on Monday after election authorities concluded that details of a pending court matter had not been disclosed in her nomination affidavit.The rejection followed objections raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which alleged that Natarajan failed to mention a case linked to proceedings before a court in Telangana. BJP leaders argued that the omission amounted to suppression of material facts and sought cancellation of her candidature.The Congress strongly opposed the decision, insisting that Natarajan was not facing any criminal case and therefore had no obligation to disclose the matter. Party leaders maintained that the Telangana issue involved only a legal notice and not a registered criminal case or FIR.The controversy triggered a political confrontation in Delhi, where a Congress delegation led by KC Venugopal met Election Commission officials seeking intervention. Before the meeting, Congress leaders staged a protest outside Nirvachan Sadan after initially being denied an immediate hearing.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Umang Singhar accused the BJP of targeting an honest candidate out of political fear. Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha also defended Natarajan, stating that only a notice had been issued and no criminal proceedings had been formally initiated against her.The dispute stems from a complaint filed in Hyderabad in 2025, in which Natarajan was named among several individuals. Although her legal team sought dismissal of the complaint, the court decided to continue hearing the matter, which remains pending.The rejection has significantly altered the political equation ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections. With the BJP already holding a comfortable majority in the 230-member Assembly, the cancellation of Natarajan’s nomination has further strengthened the ruling party’s position in the contest for the third seat.
