The nomination papers of two independent candidates were rejected during scrutiny for the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha by-election, leaving Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as the sole candidate in the fray, even as the Congress raised objections to his candidature.
The Returning Officer rejected the nominations of Kante Sayanna and Rajkumar Lohani, while Puri’s papers were accepted.
According to the scrutiny order, Sayanna’s nomination was rejected for failing to meet the mandatory requirement of signatures from at least 10 elected members of the State Legislative Assembly or 10 per cent of its elected strength, whichever is fewer.
Lohani’s nomination was rejected for failing to submit the mandatory Form 26 affidavit by the stipulated 3 pm deadline
on November 2.
Congress Raises Objections To Puri’s Nomination
The Congress formally objected to Puri’s nomination, alleging legal discrepancies and procedural violations in his election affidavit. The party submitted written objections to the Returning Officer, seeking rejection of his candidature.
MP Congress Election Cell chief JP Dhanopia alleged that the affidavit contained several errors, including the disclosure of asset valuations in foreign currencies without corresponding conversion into Indian rupees.
Congress MLA Hemant Katare also questioned the validity of the affidavit’s attestation and alleged omissions in financial and personal disclosures. He cited provisions of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, and called for the objections to be examined under the applicable legal framework.
Puri Filed Nomination On Saturday
Puri had filed his nomination on Saturday, accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal. The BJP’s Central Election Committee had announced his candidature on October 28.
The by-election is being held for the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan, who resigned from the Upper House. His term was scheduled to end in April 2030.
The polling for the lone vacant seat is scheduled for November 12.
(With inputs from agencies)
