Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is poised to secure an uncontested entry into the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh following the rejection of nomination papers submitted by two rival candidates. With those disqualifications during official scrutiny, Puri remains the sole valid contender left in the by-poll fray. The returning officer accepted Puri's nomination after dismissing multiple formal objections filed against his submitted paperwork.
Scrutiny Leads to Disqualification of Independent Candidates
The decisive turn in the election occurred during the verification of papers on Tuesday, which resulted in the dismissal of nominations filed by two independent candidates. The disqualified contenders include Congress-backed independent candidate Rajkumar Lohani and another independent applicant, Kante Sayanna. With no competing candidates left in the contest, the formal declaration confirming Hardeep Singh Puri's uncontested election will be officially released on November 5, immediately after the deadline for the withdrawal of candidature concludes.
Objections Over Form-26 Affidavit Dismissed by Returning Officer
The scrutiny proceedings witnessed contentious arguments from political opponents. Both independent candidates alongside Congress leader Hemant Katare lodged formal objections against Puri's papers, claiming that the affidavit furnished in Form-26 was incomplete and legally invalid. However, returning officer Umesh Sharma examined each grievance and determined that Puri had not breached any section of the Representation of the People Act. In his formal order, Sharma noted that the nomination papers were found to be completely in order with no procedural shortcomings.
Congress Plans Court Challenge Over Seat Vacated by L Murugan
In response to the returning officer's decision, opposition leaders voiced sharp dissent and declared their intention to seek judicial intervention. Hemant Katare and Congress MLA Atif Aqueel announced plans to challenge the ruling in court, arguing that overlooking critical discrepancies in the nomination undermines democratic norms. This particular parliamentary seat fell vacant following the resignation of Union Minister L Murugan, necessitating the current by-election proceeding in Madhya Pradesh.
