Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination was rejected by the Returning Officer ahead of the June 2025 polls, triggering sharp condemnation from the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), who described the move as undemocratic and a threat to the integrity of the electoral process. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Congress's legal challenge on Friday.

Opposition Reactions

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey drew a pointed contrast between elections and what he called a 'selection.' 'The rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination shows that this is not an election but a ‘selection’. The BJP has already decided in advance who is to be elected and who is not,' he said. Dubey also noted that several cases relating to his own party remain pending before the Supreme Court for a long time.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot termed the development 'very unfortunate,' questioning the grounds on which the nomination of a candidate from a national party with valid credentials was set aside. 'The claim that she concealed certain facts is completely false. There is no case against her... such an incident, where the nomination of an opposition candidate is cancelled, is unprecedented. It is a major conspiracy,' Pilot said.

Congress MP Tanuj Punia warned that the episode could damage the credibility of democratic institutions. 'When the court has not even accepted the pleadings and no criminal charges have been established, rejecting a nomination merely on the basis of a notice raises serious concerns,' he said.

Why the Nomination Was Rejected

The Returning Officer rejected Natarajan's nomination papers following objections filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP alleged that Natarajan failed to disclose a legal case in Telangana in the affidavit accompanying her nomination papers.

According to the objection, former corporate executive A. Srilatha has petitioned the Fourth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court, alleging that Natarajan provided political patronage to Kumbham Shivakumar Reddy, against whom Srilatha has levelled allegations including molestation and death threats.

Natarajan's Position

Natarajan has dismissed the allegations as a 'political conspiracy' and has opposed Srilatha's petition before a Hyderabad court, arguing it was an attempt to malign her reputation. On Wednesday, she alleged that the Returning Officers were 'compromised' and acting at the behest of the government.

Supreme Court to Hear the Matter

Congress has moved the Supreme Court challenging the dismissal, and the apex court has agreed to take up the matter on Friday. The outcome of the hearing is expected to determine whether Natarajan's candidacy can be restored ahead of the Rajya Sabha election. This marks a significant flashpoint in the broader contest between the ruling BJP and the opposition INDIA bloc over the conduct of upper-house elections.