Madhya Pradesh Congress on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its decision to nominate Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for the Rajya Sabha bypoll from the state, alleging the move had brought disrepute to Madhya Pradesh and demanding that the ruling party answer questions over Puri's alleged — and as yet unproven — links to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Congress Attacks on the Nomination

State Congress president Jitu Patwari questioned the BJP's compulsion to retain Puri in a position of power, framing the nomination as politically motivated. 'The compulsion to keep Hardeep Singh Puri in power raises questions about whether there is something that has left the BJP vulnerable. The BJP must answer the questions raised over the Epstein case linked to Puri. When will the country get answers?' Patwari said.

He further accused the ruling party of disrespecting the state's mandate. 'The BJP, intoxicated by the power of votes, is openly insulting both Madhya Pradesh and the mandate given by the people of the state. The Congress strongly opposes this,' he added.

Former Minister Arun Yadav Joins the Criticism

Former Union minister and former Madhya Pradesh Congress president Arun Yadav also condemned the nomination, connecting it to concerns over crimes against women in the state. 'Madhya Pradesh already ranks number one in the country in cases of sexual abuse of minor girls. Now, sending a friend of an international sex offender to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh has brought disgrace to the state. This exposes the BJP's mindset towards women and young girls,' Yadav said.

It must be noted that the allegations regarding Puri's purported connection to the Epstein case are unverified claims made by opposition leaders, and no formal inquiry or legal finding supports them. NationPress has not independently verified these allegations.

Why the Bypoll Is Being Held

The BJP nominated Puri to fill the Rajya Sabha vacancy created by the resignation of former Union minister L Murugan on 14 October. Murugan stepped down from the seat to concentrate on strengthening the party's organisation in Tamil Nadu. Puri's existing Rajya Sabha term, from a seat in Uttar Pradesh, was due to expire on 25 November, making a fresh nomination necessary to keep him in the Upper House.

The bypoll is scheduled for 12 November, with members of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly voting to elect the new member. Vote counting is set for the same evening.

BJP's Response and State Reaction

Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal congratulated Puri on his nomination and extended best wishes following the party's Central Election Committee decision to field him for the seat. The ruling party's state leadership has fully welcomed the move, underscoring the national-level backing for Puri's continued presence in the Upper House.

The nomination has ignited a political flashpoint in Bhopal, with the Congress using it to raise both governance questions and broader allegations, while the BJP maintains the choice reflects the party's confidence in Puri's ministerial record. The bypoll result on 12 November will determine whether these charges leave any electoral mark.