Protests erupt in two locations as Congress youth wing alleges undemocratic tactics

 The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a heated protest at College Square here on Wednesday, burning a symbolic effigy of the Election Commission after Congress Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was rejected.

The cancellation has triggered sharp reactions across the region, with party workers accusing the poll body of partisanship. District NSUI president Pankaj Upadhyay led the demonstration, where activists raised slogans defending the Constitution and questioned the Commission's functioning.

Effigy burned at College Square

The protest gained momentum around late morning, with students and youth workers gathering in significant numbers. By noon, the crowd had set the effigy ablaze while chanting anti-establishment slogans.

"This isn't just about one nomination rejection," Upadhyay told the gathering. "First they ignored the mandate, then tried to break opposition MLAs. When that failed, they got our candidate's nomination cancelled."

 'Democracy under attack' at Mangawan tehsil

Separately, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee organised a dharna and fast at Mangawan tehsil campus over the same issue. Local leaders addressed the crowd, calling the rejection an assault on democratic values and constitutional spirit.

Congress functionaries alleged the timing and nature of the cancellation pointed to a coordinated effort. Sources familiar with the party's internal discussions said the leadership is considering approaching the Election Commission formally for clarification.

Tribal woman leader's candidature flagged

Upadhyay made pointed remarks about the BJP's stance on women's empowerment. "They speak of women's reservation and empowerment, yet a tribal woman is being stopped from reaching Rajya Sabha," he said. "This double standard is unfortunate and condemnable."

Natarajan, a tribal community leader, had filed her nomination as the Congress candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The returning officer rejected her papers citing technical grounds, though opposition leaders have questioned the validity of those reasons.

Demand for EC impartiality

Protesters maintained that the sequence of events raises serious questions about the neutrality of democratic institutions. "The entire episode goes against the spirit of the Constitution," Upadhyay said. "We demand the Election Commission play a fair role and uphold the dignity of democratic bodies."

The NSUI warned that students and youth will continue their struggle to protect democratic rights. Party office-bearers and workers remained present at both protest locations through the afternoon, with no reports of police intervention.

The Congress high command has not yet announced whether it will challenge the nomination rejection before the Election Commission or the courts.