Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP-EC 'Collusion' in Rajya Sabha Elections

Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP, criticizes the 'BJP-EC Jugalbandi' for alleged election misconduct in the Rajya Sabha elections. Highlighting the cancellation of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natrajan's nomination, Gandhi accuses the BJP and Election Commission of unfair practices, contrasting the differential treatment of candidates in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.

In a scathing critique, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India (ECI) for what he termed a 'BJP-EC Jugalbandi,' implying electoral malpractice in the Rajya Sabha biennial elections. This accusation follows the cancellation of Congress nominee Meenakshi Natrajan's candidature from Madhya Pradesh, a move that Gandhi attributes to 'seat chori' by the BJP.

Gandhi slammed the ECI's decision to disqualify Natrajan's candidacy, despite her fulfilling nomination requirements and having no legal encumbrances. He juxtaposed this with the handling of Parimal Nathwani, a BJP-backed independent from Jharkhand, who corrected errors in his nomination papers post-submission, with ECI's consent, a privilege not extended to Natrajan.

Accusing the ECI of biased conduct, Gandhi shared his frustrations over the Congress’ attempts to discuss these issues with the ECI, which initially dodged their requests. This controversy leaves the three BJP candidates from Madhya Pradesh running unopposed in the Rajya Sabha elections, fueling further allegations of electoral manipulation by the ruling party.