Congress Moves Election Commission After Meenakshi Natarajan Nomination Rejected, Seeks Immediate Relief
A fresh political battle unfolded in New Delhi on Wednesday after the Congress approached the Election Commission seeking urgent intervention in the rejection of party leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh.
A delegation of senior Congress leaders met Election Commission officials and argued that the nomination had been rejected on grounds that did not meet the legal requirements for disclosure under election laws. The party claimed the decision had unfairly altered the electoral contest and demanded immediate corrective action.
Speaking after the meeting, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the party had presented detailed legal arguments before the poll panel and expressed confidence that the facts supported Natarajan's case.
"We have shown the Election Commission that the Returning Officer's decision is completely flawed. The order is not supported by law and deserves reconsideration," Singhvi said.
According to the Congress, the controversy revolves around a court notice received by Natarajan in connection with a private complaint. Party leaders argued that the notice did not amount to a criminal case and therefore did not require disclosure in nomination papers.
Explaining the party's stand, Singhvi said, "A private complaint and a criminal case are not the same thing. Unless the court formally takes cognisance and legal proceedings advance further, there is no criminal case that a candidate is required to disclose."
The Congress maintained that the legal threshold required for disclosure had not been reached and that Natarajan could not be penalised for omitting information that was not legally required.
The party also urged the Election Commission to use its constitutional powers to review the matter without waiting for lengthy court proceedings.
"The Election Commission has the authority to correct mistakes and ensure a fair electoral process. We have requested an immediate decision because there is still time to address this issue," Singhvi added.
Senior Congress leader Vivek Tankha also defended Natarajan and rejected allegations that she had hidden details from election authorities.
"No FIR has been registered against her. There is only a court notice related to a private complaint, and her legal team has already responded to it. Claims suggesting otherwise are misleading," Tankha said.
Congress leaders argued that the rejection has created an uneven playing field in the Rajya Sabha election and warned that such decisions could undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, the party is awaiting the Election Commission's response to its representation. With the election process moving forward, Congress leaders hope the poll panel will review the matter quickly and decide whether the nomination rejection should be reconsidered.
