New Delhi, June 10: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to meet with a delegation from the Congress party on Wednesday. The discussion will focus on the party’s objections regarding the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled in Madhya Pradesh on June 18.
According to officials, the meeting will take place at the ECI headquarters, ‘Nirvachan Sadan’, in New Delhi, with senior ECI officials and Congress leaders in attendance.
In a letter addressed to the Congress president, ECI Secretary Ashwini Kumar Mohal stated, “The Commission has decided to grant time for discussions with the Indian National Congress delegation at Nirvachan Sadan on Ashok Road, New Delhi, at 12 PM on June 10.”
Accepting Congress’s request for the meeting, Mohal also sought the names of the delegation members who will visit the ECI office on Wednesday.
Earlier, the returning officer had rejected Natarajan’s nomination papers for the biennial elections in Madhya Pradesh.
Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath accused the BJP of attempting to seize the Congress’s Rajya Sabha seat through “undemocratic means.” He alleged that the ruling party was trying to derail Congress’s campaign using administrative and procedural tactics.
Nath claimed that BJP leaders deliberately challenged Natarajan’s nomination before creating a ruckus in the assembly premises.
He stated, “The BJP is determined to violate all political norms to snatch the Congress party’s Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. However, Congress will not be intimidated by such tactics, and the BJP will face a humiliating defeat.”
The BJP raised objections to Natarajan’s nomination form, alleging that she concealed information regarding a pending case in a Telangana court.
According to the objection filed, former corporate executive A. Shrilata has lodged a petition against Natarajan in the Fourth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, accusing her of providing political protection to Kumbham Shivkumar Reddy, who has been charged with serious allegations including harassment and threats to life.
In her defense, Natarajan termed it a “political conspiracy” and opposed Shrilata’s petition in the Hyderabad court, stating that it was an attempt to tarnish her image.
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha questioned the grounds of the BJP’s objections and alleged that misinformation was being spread regarding Natarajan’s candidacy. He clarified that there are no criminal cases registered against her.
He noted that the matter is related only to a notice asking why recovery proceedings for a compensation of ₹10 crores should not be initiated against her and others.
According to him, Natarajan’s lawyer had already submitted a response to the notice at the election office, and no FIR has been filed in this case.
Tankha posted on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Deliberate confusion is being spread regarding Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination. There are no criminal cases against her. A notice was issued merely seeking clarification, and a response has already been provided. No FIR has been filed.”
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My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
