Congress Protests Against ECI's Decision on Meenakshi Natarajan's Nomination
The Congress party staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the Election Commission's decision to annul Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections. The demonstration highlighted concerns over democratic integrity and the alleged unjust treatment of Natarajan. As the matter is currently under judicial review, party leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in electoral processes. This protest reflects broader issues within the political landscape, as leaders call for accountability from the Election Commission. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
| Jun 12, 2026, 12:12 IST
Congress Holds Protest at Jantar Mantar
The Congress party organized a 'Satyagraha' protest on Friday at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. This demonstration was in response to the Election Commission of India (ECI) cancelling the nomination of party leader Meenakshi Natarajan for the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. Protesters displayed a banner that read, "First vote theft, now 'seat theft', and then the shameless arbitrariness of the Election Commission." The protest aimed to oppose the rejection of Natarajan's nomination, which the party deemed undemocratic and unjust, while advocating for free, fair, and democratic electoral processes.
Read More: Major Shift in Mamata Banerjee's TMC as 19 MPs, Including Yusuf Pathan and Saayoni Ghosh, Depart
Meenakshi Natarajan from Congress stated that since the matter is currently in court and is being heard by the Supreme Court, she would refrain from discussing it in detail today or addressing all legal aspects. However, she pointed out that a specific document—Form 26—serves as the main basis for the case, which is publicly available on the ECI's website. Allegations suggest that she failed to disclose certain information in Form 26 and concealed facts.
She further explained that the crux of the controversy revolves around the requirement to disclose any pending criminal cases or convictions. She clarified that these points do not apply to her situation, as she has only received a legal notice. In the memorandum submitted to the ECI, she provided comprehensive legal details related to that notice, which she would also present in the Supreme Court today. This is merely a legal notice; the court has yet to acknowledge the matter. Therefore, it should be clear where such information should have been recorded. Form 26 does not contain a section for disclosing personal complaints. Had there been such a section, she would have certainly provided that information.
Read More: Congress Unveils Action Plan on NEET and Inflation, Kumari Shelja Emphasizes Responsibility to Address Public Concerns
Umang Singhar, the leader of the opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, stated that the Supreme Court should make a decision today that sets a precedent for the nation to protect democracy. He expressed concern that if the Supreme Court does not rule on this matter, it could pose a threat to the country and its democratic values. He noted that the Supreme Court is well aware of the situation, with knowledgeable individuals regarding rules and laws present. Sunil Pawar, the national president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organization, informed a media channel that this protest was against the ECI's rejection of Natarajan's nomination papers, which he labeled as "incorrect." He added that they would oppose the government and ECI's decision to prevent her from filing nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha, deeming it wrong and unconstitutional.
Stay updated with the latest political news and major events across the country by reading National News in Hindi.