A dramatic day of political developments in Madhya Pradesh’s capital Bhopal, that began with several Congress MLAs heading to the airport to leave for Bengaluru, ended with the nomination of Meenakshi Natarajan, the party candidate for one of three Rajya Sabha seats from the State, being rejected during scrutiny.
This prompted top Congress leaders, led by its national general secretary K.C. Venugopal, to stage a sit-in outside the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s office in New Delhi.
The rejection came at a time when a batch of Congress MLAs was en route to Bengaluru amid fears of cross- voting in the polls, prompting the State leaders to ask them to return to Bhopal.
Ms. Natarajan accused the BJP of having “moved from vote theft to seat theft”.
Congress leaders, led by its national general secretary K.C. Venugopal, staged a sit-in outside the Election Commission of India office in New Delhi
“It started when the BJP fielded a third candidate despite not having the adequate number of members, and we started to understand the kind of politics it is practising with democracy and the Constitution. What was limited to vote theft through SIR (Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls) and other methods has today reached (the stage of) seat theft,” she said, at a press conference late on Tuesday with senior State party leaders.
Congress calls Returning Officer’s order on Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination ‘egregious’
Ms. Natarajan’s nomination was rejected by Assembly Secretary Arvind Sharma, who is also the Returning Officer for the election, based on an objection raised by BJP candidate for the third seat Mahesh Kewat and State party general secretary Rahul Kothari. They alleged that Ms. Natarajan had “hidden” details of a case lodged against her in Telangana’s Hyderabad.
The objection led to chaotic scenes at the Assembly Secretariat in Bhopal, with dozens of Congress and BJP workers coming face to face and engaging in arguments.
Several senior State BJP leaders and MLAs, including Cabinet Ministers Rakesh Singh and Kailash Vijayvargiya, as well as Mr. Kewat remained in the Assembly Secretariat during the proceedings and celebrated after the Returning Officer ruled against Ms. Natarajan.
Mr. Singh said, “She had deliberately hidden this case in the information provided by her. The form was incomplete. She had given wrong details. On all those issues, a proper opportunity was given, and both sides put forth their arguments. But since there were serious errors in her form, and the case lodged in Telangana had been hidden deliberately, the Returning Officer rejected her form.”
The case pertains to a private complaint against various individuals, including Ms. Natarajan, under BNS Sections 356, 351(2), 61, 45, 46, and 79. The Congress, however, has maintained that this was not a criminal case and only a notice had been issued to Ms. Natarajan to which she had responded.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP and senior lawyer Vivek Tankha said on X, “Confusion is being spread regarding Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination. No criminal case has been registered. Only a notice has been received stating why proceedings for ₹10 crore compensation should not be initiated against her and other people. Meenakshi ji’s lawyer has responded to this notice. No FIR has been filed.”
Ms. Natarajan alleged that the BJP challenged her nomination “in the guise of a legal notice” after it realised that the Congress MLAs were united.
“When they felt this was a united house, then in the guise of a legal notice, which was not even taken into cognisance, they challenged the election petition. Our lawyers presented the arguments, but they were not even properly heard or considered, and the decision was delivered. Their intention has become clear,” she said.
“The question is whether the federal structure of India and the democracy will survive or not. Will attempts to bring a one-party system and dictatorship here be destroyed or not? We will challenge this before every democratic forum,” she added.
Late in the evening, a Congress delegation, comprising Mr. Venugopal, Sachin Pilot and Bhupesh Baghel, arrived outside the ECI’s office but were not allowed in.
“This is a basic matter of democracy. We will sit here until they allow us to go inside. We are very responsible people. Former Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and MPs are here,” Mr. Venugopal told reporters.
The ECI has scheduled a meeting with the party’s delegation at noon on Wednesday.
Later in the evening, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav alleged that Congress leaders had hidden the information about the case involving Ms. Natarajan “as part of a conspiracy”.
“This matter was in their knowledge. When the Returning Officer put forth the information in front of them during the hearing today, they accepted it. This means they had deliberately kept the Returning Officer in the dark. The decision has come on that basis. I welcome the process of scrutiny,” Mr. Yadav said,…
Read the full article at The Hindu →📄Source document: Election Commission of India→32 reports
The HinduIndependentCenter6 days agoCongress Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan had her nomination rejected by the Returning Officer on June 9, 2026, due to the non-disclosure of a pending criminal case mentioned in a 2022 private complaint in Telangana. The issue has sparked internal debates within the Congress party, highlighted the BJP's responsiveness, and provided the BRS with leverage against the ruling Congress in the state. Despite legal appeals to the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India, no relief has been granted to Ms. Natarajan.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts of the situation without overtly favoring either side. It reports on the rejection of the nomination, the reasons behind it, and the subsequent reactions from various parties without using biased language or emphasizing one perspective over another. The editorial also
Official sources cited
- government Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha elections
- government Supreme Court of India
- government Election Commission of India
The HinduIndependentLeft7 days ago KTR levels serious allegations against CM Revanth Reddy on Meenakshi Natarajan issueBRS working president K.T. Rama Rao accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of betraying AICC in-charge of Telangana Meenakshi Natarajan, leading to the rejection of her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election. Rama Rao alleged that Revanth Reddy filed a false case against Natarajan and shared information with BJP leaders. He criticized the Chief Minister's comparison to Hitler and stated that the current government has failed to fulfill its promises.
Bias read (Left): The article presents accusations from KTR, a prominent figure in the BRS party, against the Chief Minister, suggesting a political conflict within the state. The framing emphasizes the actions of the ruling party as negative, using terms like 'heinous politics' and 'utter flop', which indicate a slt
The HinduIndependentLeft8 days ago BJP behaving like North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: Revanth ReddyThe article criticizes the BJP and BRS for allegedly engaging in a misinformation campaign following an incident involving Meenakshi Natarajan's seat. It compares the BJP's actions to those of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Bias read (Left): The article uses strong, critical language towards the BJP, comparing them to Kim Jong Un, which indicates a clear ideological stance against the ruling party. This framing suggests a left-leaning perspective.
Scroll.inIndependentCenter9 days agoThe Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature in Madhya Pradesh. The court cited Article 329 of the Constitution, which prevents judicial interference in electoral matters. It allowed Natarajan to file an election petition in the High Court of Madhya Pradesh but stated it was not commenting on the merits of the case. The court rejected her argument that writ jurisdiction under Article 32 could be used to address alleged errors in the rejection of her nomination.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the legal proceedings without apparent bias. It reports on the court's decision and reasoning neutrally, without emphasizing any particular political perspective or using loaded language. The framing remains balanced, focusing on legal arguments and rulings.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter9 days agoThe Supreme Court of India rejected Meenakshi Natarajan's petition challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination. The court stated it would not invoke its writ jurisdiction under Article 329.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a legal decision by the Supreme Court without apparent bias. It presents the court's reasoning neutrally, focusing on the legal grounds for rejecting the petition. There is no evident framing that favors one side over another.
Official sources cited
- court Supreme Court of India
Scroll.inIndependentCenter10 days ago Congress moves SC against rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha poll nominationCongress has approached the Supreme Court challenging the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh. The nomination was rejected following objections raised by the BJP regarding a criminal case against Natarajan in Telangana. Natarajan claims that her legal representatives were not heard during the process. Congress leaders argued that the case does not constitute a valid criminal charge under the Representation of the People Act.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring either political party. It reports on the legal challenge and arguments from both sides without using biased language or selectively omitting perspectives. The framing remains neutral, focusing on procedural aspects and legal interpretations rather
The HinduIndependentCenter10 days ago Meenakshi Natarajan nomination: Congress leaders eyeing RS seat ‘spoilt’ chances of party nominee, says M.P. CMMeenakshi Natarajan, the Congress candidate for a Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh, had her nomination rejected following allegations of hidden information related to a legal case in Telangana. The rejection came after objections raised by BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat and State party general secretary Rahul Kothari. The Congress accused the opposition of orchestrating a 'premeditated conspiracy' and planned to approach President Droupadi Murmu for intervention. Meanwhile, the BJP candidate is expected to win unopposed, securing all three seats.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the Congress and BJP perspectives without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both parties and does not use loaded language or omit key context. The framing appears balanced, with no clear indication of bias toward one political group over another.
Official sources cited
- government Chief Minister Mohan Yadav
- organisation Meenakshi Natarajan
- government President Droupadi Murmu
- government Assembly Secretary Arvind Sharma
- organisation Mahesh Kewat
- organisation Rahul Kothari
The HinduIndependentCenter11 days ago Congress to move Supreme Court against rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nominationThe Indian National Congress plans to file a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh. The nomination was rejected by the Returning Officer following allegations that Natarajan concealed information about a legal case against her in Hyderabad. Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, met with Election Commission officials to seek a reversal of the decision, calling it 'egregious, blatantly unlawful, and detrimental to the democratic process.'
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the actions of the Congress party and their response to the rejection of a nomination, citing statements from both the party and the affected individual. There is no evident editorializing or biased language that would skew.
Official sources cited
- government Election Commission (EC)
- press release Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Scroll.inIndependentCenter11 days ago Rush Hour: Six Naga hostages found dead, Congress says Rajya Sabha candidate wrongly rejected & moreSix Naga men abducted on May 13 by alleged Kuki groups were found dead following a 24-hour search operation by Manipur Police. The incident occurred amid tensions between Kuki and Naga communities, with at least 48 civilians reported kidnapped. Meanwhile, the Congress party challenged the rejection of their Rajya Sabha candidate, Meenakshi Natarajan, arguing that a criminal case cited by the BJP had not been formally recognized by the court. Trinamool Congress leader Sushmita Dev also resigned from her position as a Rajya Sabha MP.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on two separate events without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the recovery of bodies and ongoing investigations related to abductions, as well as the political dispute over a Rajya Sabha candidate's rejection. No clear ideological framing or o
Official sources cited
- government Manipur Police Statement
- organisation Congress Party Statement
Scroll.inIndependentCenter11 days ago Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination wrongly rejected, Congress tells ECCongress has informed the Election Commission that the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination was incorrect. Natarajan's nomination was rejected after the BJP raised concerns about a criminal case against her in Telangana. The returning officer considered her explanation but still rejected the nomination. Congress leaders argued that the returning officer misinterpreted the law regarding disclosure requirements under the Representation of the People Act.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the claims made by the Congress and the actions taken by the returning officer without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Congress representatives and outlines the legal arguments presented, maintaining a balanced tone.
Official sources cited
- statement Section 33A of the 1951 Representation of the People Act
The HinduIndependentLeft12 days ago Gujarat, a State without an OppositionThe article discusses the upcoming absence of opposition representation from Gujarat in the Rajya Sabha following the end of Shaktisinh Gohil's term. It highlights the BJP's long-standing dominance in Gujarat politics, noting their victory in the 2022 Assembly elections with 156 out of 182 seats. The piece attributes this to electoral arithmetic and the BJP's sustained control over the state since 1995.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the situation as a consequence of the BJP's 'democratic architecture' and emphasizes the lack of 'rebel voices,' suggesting criticism of the ruling party's dominance. While it presents facts about election results, the phrasing implies a critique of the BJP's prolonged power and a
The HinduIndependentLeft12 days ago Rajya Sabha polls: Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination rejected amid chaos in Madhya PradeshIn Madhya Pradesh, the nomination of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan for a Rajya Sabha seat was rejected during scrutiny, leading to protests by Congress leaders outside the Election Commission of India's office. The situation arose amid concerns over potential cross-voting by Congress MLAs who had traveled to Bengaluru. Natarajan accused the BJP of shifting tactics from 'vote theft' to 'seat theft', citing the party's alleged misuse of electoral processes.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the incident as an attack on democratic processes by the BJP, using terms like 'vote theft' and 'seat theft' which imply wrongdoing by the opposition. It highlights the actions of the Congress party and quotes their accusations against the BJP without presenting counterpoints or a
The HinduIndependentCenter12 days ago Meenakshi Natarajan named as respondent in private complaintMeenakshi Natarajan, a Congress candidate, has been named as a respondent in a private legal petition filed by a former TDP leader who later joined the Congress party. The petition was filed in 2025 in Hyderabad against several Congress leaders, including Natarajan, over alleged misconduct.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on a legal matter involving a political figure without taking a stance on the allegations or the parties involved.
Official sources cited
- court Private Petition Filed in Hyderabad
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter12 days ago EC to meet Congress delegation over rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination on WednesdayThe Election Commission (EC) has agreed to meet with a delegation from the Indian National Congress following the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. The nomination was rejected due to allegations that Natarajan concealed information in her affidavit. The BJP candidate Mahesh Kevat filed the complaint against her.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details without overtly favoring either the Congress or the BJP. It reports on the EC's decision to meet with the Congress delegation and provides background on the reasons for the nomination rejection. There is no evident editorializing or biased language that would tip
Official sources cited
- government Election Commission's letter to Congress President
India TodayIndependentLeft12 days agoMeenakshi Natarajan, a Congress leader, accused the BJP of manipulating the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha election after her nomination was rejected due to an alleged non-disclosure of a court matter in Telangana. Natarajan argued that the issue cited against her was a legal notice and not a criminal case. She claimed the BJP introduced the issue as a strategy to counter Congress after failing to secure enough support through cross-voting and political defections.
Bias read (Left): The article presents Meenakshi Natarajan’s accusations against the BJP without significant counterpoints or balanced perspectives from the opposing side. It emphasizes the BJP’s alleged manipulation and frames the rejection of Natarajan’s nomination as a politically motivated move rather than a mere
Official sources cited
- statement Meenakshi Natarajan's statement
Hindustan TimesIndependentLeft12 days ago Election Commission officials ‘refused to meet us’ over our petition: Congress leadersCongress leaders criticized the BJP for rejecting the nomination papers of their candidate Meenakshi Natarajan for the Rajya Sabha elections. They claimed that Election Commission officials refused to meet them when they sought to challenge the decision, leading to a protest outside the Election Commission's office. The Congress accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the Rajya Sabha election and subverting previous elections in Madhya Pradesh.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the Congress party's accusations against the BJP regarding alleged manipulation of the Rajya Sabha election and subversion of previous elections in Madhya Pradesh. The framing emphasizes the BJP's actions as problematic and highlights the Congress's stance without providing a nu
Official sources cited
- press release Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's press conference
Times of IndiaIndependentRight12 days agoSpeculation is growing about a potential reshuffle in the Union Cabinet following recent organizational changes within the BJP and Rajya Sabha ticket allocations. The article mentions that PM Narendra Modi might reorganize his ministry soon, according to reports by PTI. New leadership appointments have been made in BJP state units, including Harsh Malhotra as Delhi's state unit head and Pankaj Chaudhary as UP's leader. Some current ministers may transition into party roles. Notably, Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian were not renominated for Rajya Sabha elections despite their terms nearing
Bias read (Right): The article discusses potential political changes within the ruling BJP party and focuses on internal party dynamics and appointments, which are typically covered with a right-leaning perspective in Indian media when discussing the ruling party.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter12 days ago Flight aborted, RS nomination junked, Cong's Meenakshi Natarajan cries foul: MP '3rd seat' mystery ends before it beginsCongress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan had her Rajya Sabha nomination rejected in Madhya Pradesh following a complaint from BJP candidate Mahesh Kevat. The rejection occurred ahead of the June 18 election, creating significant controversy. Natarajan, a senior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha member, was seen as a strong contender for the third seat. The reason cited for the rejection was an alleged disclosure issue.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the events factually without overtly favoring either the Congress or BJP. It includes quotes from both parties and provides background information on the candidates involved. There is no evident editorializing or biased language that would indicate a leaning toward one side.
Times of IndiaIndependentLeft12 days ago RS polls: EC likely to hear Congress tomorrow over last-minute rejection of Natarajan's nominationThe Election Commission is set to meet with a Congress delegation regarding the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders protested outside the EC office, alleging that the rejection was an attempt by the BJP to undermine the democratic process. KC Venugopal, a Congress leader, criticized the decision as an effort to sabotage the party's candidates.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the Congress party's perspective, using strong language such as 'blatant attempt by the BJP to destroy the democratic process' and 'hollow commitment to the Constitution.' It quotes a senior Congress leader who accuses the BJP of undermining democracy and highlights the party's愤
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter12 days ago Congress flags ‘discrepancies’ in BJP-backed Nathwani's RS poll nomination papers; files complaintCongress has raised concerns over discrepancies in the nomination papers of Parimal Nathwani, a BJP-backed independent candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand. The party filed a complaint with the returning officer regarding errors in Nathwani's documents. Nathwani, who is also an incumbent Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh, submitted his nomination alongside candidates from the JMM and Congress. The returning officer has requested Nathwani to address these issues by Wednesday. The scrutiny of nomination papers revealed that the candidacies of JMM and Congress nominees were valid
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on allegations made by Congress against a BJP-backed candidate but does not take a stance on the validity of those claims. The content remains neutral in tone and provides information from multiple parties involved.
Official sources cited
- government Congress MLA Naman Bixal Kongari
India