Congress Candidate's Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected in Madhya Pradesh
The nomination of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan for a Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh was rejected on June 9, 2026, for allegedly failing to disclose a pending legal case in Telangana. Congress leaders argue the case is only a private complaint and not a criminal case requiring disclosure. They have appealed to the Election Commission and plan legal action, alleging a BJP conspiracy to manipulate democratic institutions. The rejection is a significant political setback for Congress in the state.
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Meenakshi Natarajan denies internal Congress conspiracy over Rajya Sabha nomination rejection
Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan, AICC in-charge of Telangana, dismissed rumors of an internal conspiracy within the Congress party regarding the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination in Madhya Pradesh. She alleged that the BJP, unable to win a third seat legitimately, resorted to pressure tactics and money power, and that Returning Officers and the Election Commission acted in a compromised manner. Natarajan refuted reports of any Telangana Congress leader resigning to facilitate her entry into the Rajya Sabha, stating her political work will continue in Madhya Pradesh. She noted the legal dispute over nomination disclosure requirements and asserted the episode vindicates Rahul Gandhi's concerns about electoral manipulation.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.No internal conspiracy over my nomination rejection: Meenakshi Natarajan
AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan denied rumors of an internal Congress conspiracy behind the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination in Madhya Pradesh, accusing the BJP of spreading such claims. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, she alleged that the BJP, unable to win a third seat legitimately, resorted to pressure and money power to influence election authorities. She claimed both the Returning Officer and the Election Commission acted in a compromised manner. Natarajan also dismissed speculation that a Telangana Congress leader would resign to facilitate her entry into the Rajya Sabha, calling the reports baseless. She added that her political work will continue in Madhya Pradesh and that the episode has 'exposed the BJP's political methods.' She referenced Rahul Gandhi's repeated warnings about alleged 'vote theft' and 'seat theft' as being vindicated by the developments.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Stages Satyagraha Over Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejection
The Telangana Congress party held a Satyagraha protest at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad on June 20, 2026, against the rejection of the Rajya Sabha nomination of Telangana Congress in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan. Organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan, the protest was led by TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, along with MLAs, MLCs, and AICC secretaries. Goud accused the BJP of undermining democratic institutions and alleged that the Returning Officer treated Natarajan unfairly, noting that candidates in other states were allowed to correct nomination deficiencies. He defended the Nehru-Gandhi family's legacy and expressed confidence that Congress would regain public support and power in Telangana.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Faultlines Exposed After Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected
On June 9, 2026, the Returning Officer for Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh rejected Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination due to non-disclosure of a pending criminal case in her Form 26 affidavit. The case, a private complaint from 2022 in Telangana, names her as a respondent for not acting against a party functionary. The BJP swiftly leveraged local networks to track down the complaint and present it to the Returning Officer, framing the omission as concealment. The episode has exposed organizational deficiencies in Congress, including poor due diligence and internal vetting, and fueled allegations of internal sabotage within the Telangana Congress unit. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has called the rejection politically motivated, accusing the BJP of 'seat theft'. The Congress has not obtained relief from the Supreme Court or Election Commission. The controversy has intensified factional tensions in Telangana and given the BRS fresh ammunition against the ruling Congress.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress to Investigate Leak in Meenakshi Natarajan Case; Show Cause Notice Issued to Shabbir Ali
Telangana Congress president Mahesh Kumar Goud announced an inquiry into how details about Meenakshi Natarajan entered the public domain, promising action against those responsible. The controversy emerged on June 8 and was used to influence Rajya Sabha nomination processes in Madhya Pradesh. Goud alleged political interference by the BJP and central government in the rejection of Natarajan's nomination, claiming no formal criminal case existed against her. He also responded to senior leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir's allegations of money influencing party posts by confirming a show cause notice had been issued. Additionally, Goud challenged BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao to explain financial mismanagement during the BRS regime and predicted all eight BJP MPs from Telangana would lose in the next parliamentary elections.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Accuses BJP of Drifting Country Towards Electoral Autocracy
The Congress party intensified its attack on the BJP and the Election Commission of India on June 12, 2026, following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination from Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders, including 61 MLAs who traveled to Delhi in support, accused the ruling party of 'seat theft' and subverting democratic institutions. They alleged the country is 'drifting towards electoral autocracy' due to centralization of power, weakening of legislative oversight, and partisan institutional behavior. The party framed the political contest as a fight between the 'constitutional model' and the 'Modi model'. Natarajan argued her nomination was rejected over a technicality regarding a criminal case disclosure, which she claims does not legally apply. Congress also alleged double standards, contrasting her case with that of a BJP-backed candidate in Jharkhand who was given opportunities to correct his papers.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Supreme Court Dismisses Meenakshi Natarajan's Plea Over Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejection
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh. A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and A.S. Chandurkar ruled that Article 329 of the Constitution bars judicial interference once a returning officer rejects a nomination. The court held that the appropriate remedy lies with the Election Commission or an election petition before the jurisdictional High Court, and declined to create exceptions for 'glaring' cases. The court clarified its observations would not prejudice any future election petition.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Andhra Pradesh Congress Condemns Rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination
The Andhra Pradesh Congress party has condemned the Election Commission of India's (ECI) rejection of its leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh. At a meeting chaired by former MLA Mastan Vali at Andhra Ratna Bhavan on June 11, 2026, party leaders termed the decision unjust, noting there is no case, FIR, or chargesheet against Natarajan. They accused the ECI of double standards, claiming that Parimal Nathwani, a Rajya Sabha candidate from Jharkhand, was given 24 hours to rectify deficiencies in his nomination, while Natarajan was denied a similar opportunity. The party demanded the ECI review and reverse the decision to safeguard the credibility and impartiality of the electoral process. Senior leaders including Kolanukonda Shivaji, Naraharasetti Narasimha Rao, and others attended the meeting.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Lows of the land: on Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination
The article criticizes the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh by the Returning Officer (RO), calling it fraudulent and arbitrary. The RO rejected her nomination citing failure to disclose a pending criminal case in Hyderabad in her election affidavit. However, the case is a private complaint where she was named as a respondent for allegedly not taking action against another Congress leader, not a criminal FIR. The article argues that under Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act, only cases with charges framed and punishment of two years or more need disclosure. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the matter. Meanwhile, all three BJP candidates were declared elected unopposed, raising concerns about institutional integrity and the Election Commission's failure to ensure free and fair elections.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of 'seat chori' in Rajya Sabha polls, alleges EC bias
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding to manipulate Rajya Sabha elections, coining the term 'seat chori' (seat theft). The allegation follows the ECI's rejection of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination in Madhya Pradesh, while allowing BJP-backed Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani in Jharkhand to correct errors on his form, including his own name. Gandhi claimed the EC gave Nathwani an extension to fix multiple mandatory disclosures but disqualified Natarajan without a hearing. The Congress has moved the Supreme Court, which will hear the case on June 12. BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari responded by suggesting the Congress should identify an internal saboteur who deliberately withheld information from Natarajan's nomination, citing a 2013 Supreme Court ruling on intentional omissions.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.All three BJP candidates from Madhya Pradesh elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha
On June 11, 2026, Returning Officer Arvind Sharma declared three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates—Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agarwal, and Mahesh Kewat—elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh. The election was originally scheduled for June 18 for three seats vacated by BJP's George Kurien and Sumer Singh Solanki, and Congress's Digvijay Singh. The BJP, with 164 MLAs in the 230-member assembly, was assured of two seats, while Congress, with 62 MLAs, had enough votes for one seat. However, Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was rejected by the Returning Officer on June 9 for allegedly concealing a court complaint in Telangana in her Form 26, a move challenged by BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat. Natarajan has moved the Supreme Court, which will hear her plea on June 12. Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal called the rejection 'seat theft' and vowed to fight it politically and legally. Former Madhya Pradesh Assembly principal secretary Bhagwandev Israni opined that Natarajan was not required to disclose the case as no FIR or charge sheet had been filed, and urged Election Commission intervention.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.BJP's rapid legal operation leads to rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination
In a four-hour legal sprint, Telangana BJP leaders orchestrated the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh. Triggered by a query from national leadership about pending cases against her in Hyderabad, BJP's legal team initially searched police stations for FIRs without success. They then shifted strategy, contacting advocates who revealed a private complaint filed in Nampally court naming Natarajan as a respondent. The team obtained copies of the petition and court notice, including Natarajan's counter denying allegations. By 3 p.m., they presented comprehensive evidence to the Returning Officer, who rejected her nomination. Natarajan described the complaint as politically motivated, asserting her role in Telangana was strictly organizational.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Supreme Court to Hear Meenakshi Natarajan's Plea Against Rejection of Rajya Sabha Candidature on June 12
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a plea from Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh. The hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2026. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued that the returning officer wrongly rejected her nomination, citing alleged non-disclosure of a criminal case under the Representation of People Act. The returning officer stated that Natarajan submitted an incomplete affidavit, omitting a court complaint in Form 26. The ruling BJP candidate had filed a complaint alleging she failed to disclose a case registered against her in Telangana. The Bench, comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Atul S. Chandurkar, questioned the maintainability of the petition during the ongoing electoral process, suggesting an election petition might be the proper recourse. The Election Commission opposed the plea, noting it had not been served with a copy. Elections for three Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled for June 18.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Madhya Pradesh CM Accuses Congress Infighting of Spoiling Rajya Sabha Nomination
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accused Congress leaders of deliberately sabotaging the Rajya Sabha nomination of party candidate Meenakshi Natarajan due to internal rivalry. Natarajan's nomination for one of three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh was rejected during scrutiny after BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat and state BJP general secretary Rahul Kothari objected, alleging she hid details of a case filed against her in Telangana. The Congress alleges a 'premeditated conspiracy' and plans to move the Supreme Court. All 62 Congress MLAs will call on President Droupadi Murmu on June 12 to seek intervention. The BJP's Kewat is now set to win unopposed, giving the BJP all three seats. State Congress president Jitu Patwari announced statewide protests, including a hunger strike and plans to gherao the CM's house. Congress legal officials argue the Telangana FIR is not a criminal case and no charges have been framed.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Calls Returning Officer's Rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination 'Egregious'
The Indian National Congress has strongly condemned the Returning Officer's decision to reject the Rajya Sabha nomination of its Madhya Pradesh candidate, Meenakshi Natarajan. The party has urged the Election Commission of India to immediately overturn the order, describing it as 'egregious, blatantly unlawful and detrimental to the democratic process'. The rejection has sparked a political controversy, with the Congress accusing the authorities of acting against democratic norms. The article, published by The Hindu on June 10, 2026, highlights the party's formal appeal to the Election Commission and its characterization of the order as a serious threat to electoral fairness.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress protests rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination in Hyderabad
The Khairatabad District Congress Committee held a dharna at Liberty Circle in Hyderabad on June 10, 2026, protesting the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination. Led by DCC president Motha Rohit Mudiraj, protesters called the rejection a 'blatant attack on democracy' and alleged the Election Commission of India is under BJP influence. Telangana government adviser V. Hanumantha Rao criticized the decision as unfair, noting Natarajan received no summons related to the cited case. TPCC Media Committee chairman Sama Ram Mohan Reddy alleged a conspiracy between the BJP and Election Commission, questioned the Returning Officer's authority, and said the Congress will challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Delegation Meets Election Commission Over Rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination
A delegation of senior Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal, Abhishek Singhvi, Jairam Ramesh, and candidate Meenakshi Natarajan, met with the Election Commission of India on June 10, 2026, to challenge the rejection of Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination in Madhya Pradesh. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi argued that the Returning Officer erroneously treated a court notice on a private complaint as a criminal case, stating that no charges have been framed. He urged the ECI to use its powers to correct the decision. Separately, party president Mallikarjun Kharge called an urgent meeting of general secretaries for June 11 to discuss political developments. The rejection occurred amid chaotic scenes in Madhya Pradesh during the Rajya Sabha polling process.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Urges Election Commission to Reverse Rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination
On June 10, 2026, the Indian National Congress party urged the Election Commission to immediately set aside the rejection of its Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination, calling the Returning Officer's order 'egregious, blatantly unlawful and detrimental to the democratic process.' A delegation led by senior leaders including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, K.C. Venugopal, and Jairam Ramesh met EC officials. Singhvi argued that under Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act, only cases with charges framed by a judge and carrying over two years' punishment need disclosure, and the RO's order was legally untenable. The Congress warned that failure to reverse the decision would create a skewed electoral system. The delegation requested urgent intervention as Wednesday was the last day for withdrawal of nominations.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Siddaramaiah alleges political conspiracy in rejection of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah alleged that the rejection of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh was a 'blatant illegality' and part of a broader BJP conspiracy to manipulate democratic institutions. He claimed the BJP had the numbers to secure only two Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh but fielded a third candidate, and after failing to secure support through 'horse-trading' and inducements to Congress legislators, the ruling party used the election machinery to reject the Congress candidate's nomination. Siddaramaiah argued that the grounds for rejection were legally untenable, as a private complaint does not constitute a criminal case requiring disclosure. He said the Congress would oppose the decision through all available democratic and legal avenues, framing the incident as part of a wider pattern of democratic erosion under the BJP.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Delegation Meets Election Commission Over Rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination
A Congress delegation led by K.C. Venugopal and including candidate Meenakshi Natarajan met the Election Commission of India on June 10, 2026, to challenge the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination in Madhya Pradesh. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi argued that Natarajan had only received a court notice on a private complaint, not a criminal case, and that the Returning Officer erroneously treated it as such. Singhvi urged the ECI to use its powers to withdraw the rejection order. Separately, party president Mallikarjun Kharge called an urgent meeting of general secretaries on June 11 to discuss political developments.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.