Congress Stages 'Satyagraha' Against Election Commission Over Rejected Nomination

The Congress party organized a 'Satyagraha' protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, challenging the Election Commission's dismissal of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha candidacy. Accusations of unjust actions and calls for judicial intervention echoed as leaders alleged misconduct by the Election Commission, questioning the democratic process integrity.

On Friday, the Congress party staged a 'Satyagraha' protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the Election Commission of India's decision to reject the nomination of party leader Meenakshi Natarajan for the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The protestors, carrying banners with messages like 'First Vote Chori, Now 'Seat Chori',' criticized the Election Commission's conduct.

The Congress organized this demonstration to voice its outrage over what it deems an undemocratic and unjust rejection of Natarajan's nomination. The party aims to uphold free and fair electoral principles by collectively challenging the Election Commission's actions. Umang Singhar, the Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, emphasized the need for a Supreme Court decision to safeguard India's democracy, warning of potential dangers if the issue remains unresolved.

Speaking to ANI, Sunil Panwar, National Chairman of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan, condemned the rejection of Natarajan's nomination papers as unconstitutional. The controversy began when electoral authorities cited irregularities in her election affidavit, sparking Congress's accusations of bias. Earlier, a 10-member Congress delegation met with the Chief Election Commissioner to express their concerns about the issue.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the Election Commission and the BJP of a 'jugalbandi,' suggesting the Rajya Sabha elections were predetermined due to alleged conspiracies he terms as 'seat chori'. Gandhi noted discrepancies in the handling of BJP-backed candidate Parimal Nathwani's nomination, highlighting seeming inconsistencies in the Election Commission's rulings.