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Politics
Congress Scores Double Blow in MP Rajya Sabha By‑poll: Hardeep Singh Puri’s Nomination Upheld, Opponent Papers Cancelled
✍️ Amar Ujala · Bhopal
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 07:15 PM
👁 15
The Election Commission dismissed Congress’s objection to BJP candidate Hardeep Singh Puri’s nomination in the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha by‑poll, while cancelling the nomination papers of two independent aspirants.
During the scrutiny stage of the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha by‑poll, the Election Commission ruled that the BJP nominee Hardeep Singh Puri could retain his candidature. Congress had filed an objection to Puri’s nomination, alleging procedural irregularities, but the commission found no merit and rejected the protest.
In the same scrutiny, two independent candidates were found to have submitted incomplete or inaccurate documentation, leading the commission to cancel their nomination papers. Their disqualification reduces the contest to the BJP and Congress candidates.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, clears the way for the scheduled voting later this week. Analysts note that the removal of the independents could consolidate votes around the two major parties, potentially influencing the final outcome of the seat.
Congress leaders expressed disappointment, describing the ruling as a “double setback” for the party in a state where it seeks to regain foothold. The BJP, meanwhile, hailed the verdict as a validation of its candidate’s eligibility.
In the same scrutiny, two independent candidates were found to have submitted incomplete or inaccurate documentation, leading the commission to cancel their nomination papers. Their disqualification reduces the contest to the BJP and Congress candidates.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, clears the way for the scheduled voting later this week. Analysts note that the removal of the independents could consolidate votes around the two major parties, potentially influencing the final outcome of the seat.
Congress leaders expressed disappointment, describing the ruling as a “double setback” for the party in a state where it seeks to regain foothold. The BJP, meanwhile, hailed the verdict as a validation of its candidate’s eligibility.