The rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination after BJP objections has reshaped the Rajya Sabha contest in Madhya Pradesh
June 9, 2026: The Congress suffered a major setback ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh after the nomination of its candidate, Meenakshi Natarajan, was rejected by the Returning Officer. The decision came following objections raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which alleged that important information had been concealed in her nomination papers. The development has significantly altered the electoral contest, leaving Congress without a candidate in the race.
The BJP claimed that Natarajan had failed to disclose details related to a legal matter, prompting the Returning Officer to scrutinize her nomination. However, Congress strongly denied the allegations. Senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha clarified that no criminal case had been registered against Natarajan. He stated that only a notice regarding possible compensation proceedings had been issued and that no FIR existed in the matter.
Reacting sharply, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath accused the BJP of using unfair tactics to secure the Rajya Sabha seat. He alleged that Congress MLAs faced deliberate obstacles, including delays and disruptions during the election process. With Natarajan’s nomination now rejected, only three BJP candidates remain in the contest for the three Rajya Sabha seats, while Congress continues to protest the decision and defend its candidate.