The Election Commission of India (ECI) will meet a Congress delegation on 10 June (Wednesday) at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, to hear the party's concerns over the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha biennial elections in Madhya Pradesh, scheduled for 18 June. The meeting is confirmed for 12 noon IST, according to an official statement.

How the Meeting Was Called

ECI Secretary Ashwani Kumar Mohal wrote to the Congress president confirming the appointment, stating: '…The Commission has… decided to give an appointment to the delegation of Indian National Congress for an interaction at 12 noon on June 10 (Wednesday) at Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.' Mohal also requested the names of delegation members ahead of the visit.

The meeting follows the Returning Officer's decision to reject Natarajan's nomination — she was the sole Congress candidate for the seat — on grounds linked to an alleged non-disclosure of a pending court matter.

The Objection and Its Origins

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed an objection to Natarajan's nomination, alleging she had concealed information about a case pending before the Fourth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court in Telangana. According to the objection, former corporate executive A. Srilatha had petitioned the court against Natarajan, alleging she provided political patronage to one Kumbham Shivakumar Reddy, against whom Srilatha has levelled charges including molestation and death threats.

Natarajan has described the situation as a 'political conspiracy' and has reportedly opposed Srilatha's petition in the Hyderabad court, calling it an attempt to damage her reputation.

Congress Disputes the Grounds

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha rejected the BJP's characterisation, stating that no criminal case or FIR had been registered against Natarajan. He clarified that the court notice in question was limited to a query on why proceedings for recovery of ₹10 crore in compensation should not be initiated against her and several others — and that Natarajan's lawyer had already filed a reply at the election office.

'Confusion is being deliberately created about Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. There is no registered criminal case against her. A notice was merely issued seeking an explanation, and a response has already been filed. No FIR has been registered,' Tankha wrote on X.

Kamal Nath Accuses BJP of 'Undemocratic Tactics'

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath alleged that the BJP was attempting to capture a Congress Rajya Sabha seat through what he termed 'undemocratic tactics,' including administrative and procedural manoeuvres. He further alleged that BJP leaders had intentionally challenged the nomination before creating a commotion within the Assembly premises.

'The BJP is bent on violating all political norms to snatch the Congress party's Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. However, the Congress will not be intimidated by such tactics, and the BJP will face a humiliating defeat,' Nath said.

What Happens Next

The outcome of Wednesday's ECI meeting is likely to determine whether Natarajan's nomination can be reinstated ahead of the 18 June election. The Congress has staked its position on the argument that no FIR exists and the objection rests on a misrepresentation of the court notice. A ruling against the party would effectively hand the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha seat to the BJP unopposed.