• Source:JND

In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday in Madhya Pradesh politics, Congress MLAs heading to Bengaluru for the Rajya Sabha elections were forced to abruptly return from the runway at Bhopal airport.

The sudden U-turn came after Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was annulled amid the fierce contest for Madhya Pradesh’s third Rajya Sabha seat. The Election Commission rejected Natarajan’s application following complaints that she had failed to disclose details of a pending case against her in her nomination papers.

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The Congress MLAs, who had been waiting to board their flight to Bengaluru, were called back immediately upon the announcement of Natarajan's disqualification.

Congress’ Bengaluru Strategy Comes to an Abrupt Halt: MLAs Turn Back from Runway

The most shocking scene of this episode unfolded at Bhopal airport. Amid concerns over possible cross-voting and to keep its MLAs together ahead of the election, the Congress had arranged a 75-seater chartered aircraft to fly 68 MLAs from Bhopal to Bengaluru.

Under the plan, dozens of MLAs had already reached the airport and were preparing to board the aircraft when news of Natarajan’s nomination rejection broke. Within minutes, the travel plan was scrapped and MLAs were asked to return.

High-Voltage Drama at the Airport: MLAs Panic Over DGCA Formalities

This was not it. The situation became even more tense when boarding was briefly delayed due to mandatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The last-minute hold-up created uncertainty among the waiting Congress MLAs. Given the politically charged atmosphere, some initially suspected external interference behind the delay. Some MLAs initially feared that the halt was politically motivated, orchestrated by BJP leaders or the state government.

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By then, however, the news of Natarajan’s nomination rejection had completely changed the plan.

Why Was Meenakshi Natarajan’s Nomination Rejected?

The main reason of the rejection of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was that She had failed to disclose in her affidavit submitted with the nomination that a pending case in a Hyderabad court was ongoing against her.

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On Tuesday, the BJP lodged an official objection with the election officer, pointing out this legal discrepancy. After reviewing the complaint and related documents, the election officer accepted the objection and rejected her nomination This immediately created panic within the Congress camp, and triggered confusion within the party ranks, leading to the suspension of the Bengaluru-bound move.

What Natarajan Said After Her Nomination Was Rejected?

As her nomination was cancelled in Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan said, "When the number of members was not adequate, and the BJP fielded third candidate, it all started from there, and we started to understand that they are doing the politics of muzzling the democracy, constitution. What was limited to vote theft, has now become seat theft... "

"When they felt this was a united house and not the divided house, then in guise of legal notice, which was not taken cognisance, they challenged the election petition, our both the advocated presented the arguments, those were not heard, and the decision came. Their intention has become clear. This is not about one candidature, there is a serious situation in the country. We will challenge this...," she added.

( With Inputs from NaiDunia )


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