A special MP-MLA court has issued an arrest warrant against Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari in connection with alleged defamatory remarks made during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign against BSP candidate Devashish Jararia. The court also directed the Bhind Superintendent of Police to ensure Patwari’s presence at the next hearing on 27 July.

During the hearing, the court strongly questioned the police’s claim that Patwari could not be traced, remarking that if his statements and political activities are visible everywhere, it was hard to understand why police could not find him. The judge’s comments made it clear that the court was displeased with the progress of the case.

What the case is about

The case dates back to 27 April 2024, when Patwari was campaigning in the Umri area of Bhind district in support of Congress candidate Phool Singh Baraiya. During that public meeting, he allegedly accused Devashish Jararia of having links and dealings with the BJP after Jararia had left Congress and joined the BSP.

According to the complaint, Patwari also used informal and disrespectful language while making the allegations, which Jararia objected to. A video CD of the rally was later submitted with the complaint, forming part of the evidence in the case.

FIR and court action

Based on Jararia’s complaint, Bhind’s Umri police station registered an FIR against Patwari on 4 May 2024. The court had earlier issued a notice asking him to appear on 16 January 2026, but he did not appear before the court.

At the latest hearing, police told the court that they were unable to locate him. The court rejected that explanation and ordered the Bhind SP to ensure that Patwari is produced in court on the next date.

Why it matters

The order adds legal pressure on one of Madhya Pradesh’s most prominent opposition leaders. It also reflects the court’s dissatisfaction with the police response and the delay in securing the accused’s presence.

If the next hearing goes forward as scheduled, the court is expected to examine both the alleged remarks and Patwari’s non-appearance. The case will likely continue to draw political attention because it involves campaign speech, defamation allegations and a sitting party chief.

Rai alleges government trying to suppress voice over donation theft; other Congress leaders also detained; eight accused in embezzlement case sent to 14-day judicial custody

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai was placed under house arrest by police late Monday night at a hotel in Ayodhya, hours before he was scheduled to lead a party delegation to offer prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and protest outside the Trust office over the alleged donation theft.

According to Congress sources, Rai was taken into custody from Hotel Padam Shri Palace around 11:30 pm and later shifted to the guest house of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology in Kumarganj, about 60 km from Ayodhya. Heavy police deployment was made outside the university's gates, with security personnel stationed at Gates No. 1 and 2.

A nine-member Congress delegation, which included Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia, Prayagraj MP Ujjwal Raman Singh, Sitapur MP Rakesh Rathor, former Rajya Sabha MP SP Gautam, former MLC Deepak Singh, former MLA Meeta Gautam and Pharenda MLA Virendra Chaudhary, was scheduled to visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to offer prayers and have darshan of Ramlala.

Tanuj Punia claimed he was placed under house arrest in Barabanki before he could leave for Ayodhya. Ujjwal Raman Singh was similarly confined to his residence in Prayagraj from 10 am on Tuesday. Congress district president of Pratapgarh Neeraj Tripathi was also detained, the party alleged.

'Won't leave without darshan'

Speaking to reporters, Rai alleged the government was trying to prevent Congress leaders from visiting the shrine. "I had reached Ayodhya a day earlier because we anticipated that something like this could happen. Despite that, we have been stopped from offering prayers," he said.

In a video statement, Rai said: "We all intended to visit Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Shri Ram. We had formed a delegation led by me to offer prayers and seek darshan. We also wanted to pray to the Lord regarding the disrepute brought to this holy site by the RSS and BJP through the theft of offerings and donations, as well as land scams".

"Our colleagues and I were placed under house arrest. We are being subjected to harassment and are being prevented from visiting the temple. We are prepared to do whatever it takes, even if it means going to jail or giving up food and water for a few days to ensure we get to offer our prayers," he added.

Rai asserted he would not leave Ayodhya without offering prayers. "I will go on a hunger strike if required, but I won't leave Ayodhya without offering prayers. We wanted to pray before Ram and Lord Hanuman for the way Ayodhya has been defamed because of the greed of some people from the RSS and BJP," he told The Indian Express.

Wife alleges government trying to silence him

Ajay Rai's wife, Reena Rai, released a video statement from Varanasi, accusing the BJP government of attempting to suppress her husband's voice. "The BJP government is prepared to stoop to any level to silence my husband. After taking him away in a police vehicle, our associates are now being misled with false information. Our fight against the 'donation thieves' will continue. If anything happens to my husband, the entire responsibility will lie with this unrighteous BJP government," she said.

Congress terms action unconstitutional

The Uttar Pradesh Congress termed the action unconstitutional and demanded the immediate release of its leaders. In a post on X, the party questioned: "Has it now become a crime in UP to even have darshan of Lord Shri Ram?"

"Lord Shri Ram does not belong to any single political party or ideology; He is a symbol of the faith and culture of the entire country. Stopping devotees from going to Ayodhya is unconstitutional," the party said.

Senior Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi accused the BJP government of curbing the fundamental right of devotees. "The BJP government wants to control who can offer prayers. This reflects the dictatorial functioning of the Yogi Adityanath government," Awasthi alleged.

CM Yogi hits back

At an event in Rampur on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a counter-attack, saying those who had once denied the existence of Lord Ram now wanted to visit Ayodhya. "The very people who, before 2017, had devotees beaten for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' are now invoking faith," he said. "The Congress had once denied the very existence of Lord Ram, but now it says Ram belongs to everyone. Everyone is eager to visit Ayodhya. But Lord Ram is the Lord of the universe. He knows who is right and who is wrong."

Donation theft case: Eight accused sent to judicial custody

The political confrontation comes amid an ongoing probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir. On Monday, a local court in Ayodhya remanded all eight accused to 14 days of judicial custody. Police had arrested the eight accused following an FIR registered on June 25 on the complaint of Trust member Krishna Mohan.

The accused include Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu, who is described as a close associate of former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. On June 28, eight police teams conducted simultaneous raids at the homes of the accused. At Tinnu's residence, investigators recovered documents relating to investments, property purchases, jewellery and cash.

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra resign; Trust meeting advanced

Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr Anil Mishra resigned on June 27, two days after the FIR was registered, taking "moral responsibility" for the alleged embezzlement. Sources say Champat Rai left Ayodhya for Delhi on Sunday evening to present his case and seek support from RSS and VHP leadership.

The Trust has advanced its scheduled meeting from July 11 to July 6 to consider the resignations. Sources claim the SIT may hold Champat Rai, Dr Mishra and Gopal Rao responsible in its final report, and registration of an FIR against them is likely once the report is submitted.

Police expand financial investigation

Police have expanded the financial investigation, seeking details of bank accounts belonging to employees working at more than three State Bank of India branches in the Ayodhya area. Investigators are scrutinising bank transactions and financial links of the accused.

Owaisi, Mayawati react

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said in Bijnor: "The Trust made a mistake. They should have appointed a Muslim to the Trust and then blamed him. The entire matter would have been settled. But now Champat is facing the consequences".

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said those guilty of temple offering theft must not be spared.

Meanwhile, Congress workers staged a sit-in protest outside the Agriculture University's Gate No. 1, demanding Rai's release. Police used mild force to disperse Congress workers who attempted to march towards the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, detaining several workers including former Rajya Sabha MP Aliya Zubairi.

Congress leader says 'corruption cannot be accepted in Ram's name'; addresses 10-day DCC training camp valedictory

Congress national media and publicity department chief Pawan Khera arrived in Raipur on Sunday night for the valedictory function of the party's 10-day residential training camp for District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents. Even before he addressed the gathering, Khera launched a blistering attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asserting that the organisation had no contribution to India's freedom struggle.

"Organisations like the RSS have never participated in the freedom movement. They have only worked to weaken the country and Hindu society," Khera told reporters upon his arrival.

Taking aim at RSS senior pracharak Indresh Kumar's recent remarks on Mahatma Gandhi, Khera said he would not waste much time responding to such statements, adding that issues concerning the public were far more important.

 'Corruption in Ram's name unacceptable'

The Congress leader also trained his guns on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust amid the ongoing donation controversy. Khera questioned the functioning of the temple trust, alleging it was constituted under RSS influence and oversight, with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also keeping a watch on its activities.

"Corruption in the name of Lord Ram cannot be accepted," Khera said, linking the trust to what he described as a pattern of irregularities in temple administration.

The controversy relates to the resignation of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra following allegations of misappropriation of donations. Khera has previously questioned the RSS and the Centre's role in temple administration, demanding an impartial probe.

 Training camp concludes in Raipur

The 10-day training camp, which began on June 20, saw participation from newly appointed DCC presidents from across the country. The camp focused on organisational strengthening, election preparedness, media management and better public communication.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had earlier visited the camp in Abhanpur on Sunday, spending 40 minutes with senior leaders and holding direct interactions with district and city presidents.

Khera praised the training initiative and called for similar camps to be conducted nationwide. "Such a long camp was organised, in which Rahul Gandhi also came," Khera told reporters.

 Political context

The Congress attack comes at a time when the party is looking to rebuild its organisational structure ahead of upcoming elections. The Raipur camp was seen as a key initiative to align district-level leadership with the party's central messaging.

Earlier, on June 19, Khera had launched a scathing attack on the RSS, backing Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge's call for the RSS to register as an organisation and operate under the Constitution.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, meanwhile, used the occasion to criticise the Congress over the 1975 Emergency, accusing Indira Gandhi of suppressing constitutional rights.

A new development has emerged in the assault case involving the son of Congress MLA Dinesh Gurjar outside the MLA Rest House in Bhopal. The mother of one of the accused, Lucky Yadav, has approached the city's Police Commissioner, alleging that her sons were assaulted not only during the incident but also inside the police station in the presence of police personnel.

The complaint has prompted Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar to order an inquiry into the allegations. He stated that if the accusations are found to be true, appropriate legal action will also be taken against the other side.

The incident occurred outside the MLA Rest House in the Arera Hills area and initially led to a case being registered on the complaint of Deoraj Singh Gurjar, son of Congress MLA Dinesh Gurjar. Police had booked the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following his complaint.

However, the accused's family has now questioned the police investigation, claiming their version of events was ignored.

According to the complaint submitted to the Police Commissioner, Lucky Yadav's mother alleged that Deoraj Gurjar and his associates first assaulted her sons near the MLA Rest House. She further claimed that after they were taken to Arera Hills police station, they were again beaten inside the premises while police personnel allegedly failed to intervene.

She alleged that one of her sons was severely injured during the incident and had to be admitted to hospital. The complaint further states that despite visible injuries on both sons, police allegedly did not register their complaint because of pressure from influential individuals.

Seeking a fair investigation, she requested action against those allegedly responsible for assaulting her sons.

Taking note of the allegations, Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar directed officials to conduct an impartial inquiry. He said that if the investigation establishes the allegations made by the accused's family, legal action would also be initiated against Deoraj Gurjar and others involved, in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Deoraj Singh Gurjar has reiterated his earlier version of the incident.

According to Deoraj, the incident took place around 12:30 am on June 24 while he was walking on the balcony of his residence at the MLA Rest House in Malviya Nagar. He alleged that four men were consuming alcohol outside the premises. When he asked them to leave, they allegedly began abusing him verbally.

He further claimed that the four men entered the staircase leading to the residence and demanded money to purchase more alcohol. When he refused, they allegedly assaulted him and attempted to snatch his belongings.

Deoraj said his friends, identified as Harsh, Maan, and Saurabh Bakoria, rushed to the spot after hearing the commotion and intervened to rescue him. He alleged that the accused left after issuing threats and identifying themselves as Vicky, Pankaj, Mayank, and Soh, warning him to "remember their names."

Following the incident, Deoraj underwent a medical examination at JP Hospital before lodging a complaint at Arera Hills police station, based on which an FIR was registered against the accused.

With both sides now making serious allegations against each other, the police inquiry is expected to determine the sequence of events and examine whether any misconduct occurred during police custody.

Officials have maintained that the investigation will consider evidence and statements from all parties before any further legal action is taken.

Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh launched a scathing attack on the Central government, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday over alleged financial irregularities and donation theft at the Ram Mandir Trust. Speaking at a press conference in Ujjain, Singh labeled the trust's General Secretary, Champat Rai, as "corrupt" and demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against him.

Singh argued that since the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was directly constituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ultimate accountability for any financial discrepancy rests with the Prime Minister's Office.

Massive Awareness Campaign Across 609 Panchayats

The veteran leader announced that the Congress party will not let the issue slide and is planning a massive rural outreach campaign to take the allegations to the grassroots level.

Congress Rural Outreach Blueprint (Ujjain District):

├── Target Jurisdiction: 609 Gram Panchayats

├── Operational Units : Specialized sector and mandal-level committees

└── Core Strategy     : Door-to-door distribution of descriptive leaflets

"Congress has formed dedicated committees across all 609 panchayats in the Ujjain district. Our workers will go door-to-door to inform common citizens and Sanatana believers about how the institutional donations meant for Lord Ram's temple were siphoned off," Singh stated.

Serious Allegations Over Gold, Silver, and Foreign Funding

Digvijaya Singh questioned Champat Rai’s credentials and association with religious affairs, alleging that structural auditing has exposed severe mismanagement regarding high-value donations.

"Who is Champat Rai? He hails from Uttar Pradesh and has no inherent background in theology or religious administration. He was an RSS pracharak who was later absorbed by the VHP. The public display of simplicity is a facade. Massive discrepancies have been detected in the accounting of donated silver bricks, jewelry, cash, and foreign contributions," Singh alleged.

He further leveled criticism at the temple's Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony held in Ayodhya, claiming that established Vedic traditions were openly violated. According to Singh, scriptural norms dictate that congregational rituals must be performed by a married couple (sapatneek), whereas individuals not meeting the criteria were permitted to sit for the core rituals.

"RSS Grabbing Mahakal Temple Land," Claims Singh

Turning his focus to local governance, Singh accused the RSS of encroaching upon prime land belonging to the historic Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. He stated that his opposition dates back to the tenure of former BJP Chief Minister Sunder Lal Patwa, who allegedly allotted temple land to an RSS-affiliated wing.

Singh claimed that he had legally challenged the land transfer in court at the time, adding that the organization has built commercial guest houses on temple properties while marginalizing traditional seers and sadhus. "The current administrative ecosystem is so heavily politicized that common devotees cannot even access the premium Bhasma Aarti slots without recommendation letters from the Bajrang Dal," he alleged.

Warning Issued to CM Mohan Yadav Over Land Scams

During the press briefing, the former Chief Minister waved several files and official land registry documents before reporters. While refusing to prematurely disclose individual names, Singh stated that he has received a fresh batch of incriminating documents following recent investigative media reports on local land scams.

Shifting focus to current Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Singh offered sharp political counsel to the Ujjain-native CM.

"The Chief Minister has hoarded an excessive number of portfolios. Bureaucrats and subordinate officers will commit irregularities under his watch, but the constitutional accountability will fall squarely on him. Do not let this happen, because as an active opposition, we are not going to spare you on the floor of the house," Singh warned.

As the investigation into alleged irregularities involving Ram Mandir donations gathers momentum, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on Friday. The visit comes against the backdrop of a high-profile probe into claims of theft and mismanagement of offerings at the temple, a matter that has triggered political debate and intensified administrative scrutiny.

According to sources, the Chief Minister will offer prayers at the Ram Mandir during his visit. However, a specific point in the administrative protocol issued for the programme has drawn attention. Sources familiar with the arrangements said Ram Mandir Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has been asked to nominate another representative in his place for the event. The details of the nominated individual are reportedly required to be submitted to the designated duty magistrate before the visit.

The development comes as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its inquiry into allegations surrounding the handling of temple donations. On Thursday, investigators visited the Ram Mandir premises for the fourth consecutive day as part of the ongoing probe. Sources indicated that temple trustee Dr. Anil Mishra may be questioned regarding certain procedural and financial aspects linked to donation management.

SIT Investigation Expands

Investigators are reportedly examining the process used for counting donations as well as the appointment of personnel associated with the handling of temple funds. Sources suggest that several individuals connected to the counting process have already come under scrutiny.

According to information emerging from the investigation, five individuals allegedly linked to the case have been identified. Authorities have reportedly recovered approximately ₹2 crore based on information provided during the inquiry. All five individuals were associated with the donation-counting process at the temple, sources said.

Officials have not yet publicly disclosed the full findings of the investigation, and the probe remains ongoing.

Administrative Reforms Under Discussion

Amid the controversy, discussions are reportedly underway regarding the introduction of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-style administrative framework for the Ram Mandir, similar to the management structure followed at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Sources said the proposal is aimed at strengthening transparency in financial management, donation accounting, and overall administrative operations. Government officials and representatives of the temple trust are believed to be holding consultations before any final decision is made.

The possibility of structural reforms has gained attention as authorities seek to address concerns raised during the investigation and improve oversight mechanisms.

Political Reactions Intensify

The controversy has also triggered strong political reactions. Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai visited Ayodhya and criticized the BJP over the allegations, demanding strict action and an independent investigation into the matter.

The issue first surfaced on June 7 when former Samajwadi Party minister Pawan Pandey alleged that between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore in temple offerings had gone missing. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav later questioned the government's response and called for a thorough examination of the allegations.

Champat Rai had previously rejected the claims, maintaining that no evidence supporting the allegations had emerged.

Demand for Wider Probe

As the controversy expanded, BJP leader Dr. Rajneesh Singh reportedly wrote to the Prime Minister seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. Sources indicated that the Prime Minister's Office subsequently sought a report from the Ram Mandir Trust regarding the allegations.

With the SIT investigation continuing and administrative reforms under consideration, the developments surrounding the Ram Mandir donation controversy are expected to remain under close public and political scrutiny in the coming days.

In a major push to restructure and revive its grassroots cadre, the Congress party is scheduled to host a comprehensive 10-day training camp for its newly appointed district and city unit presidents in Raipur later this month.

The residential training program, scheduled from June 21 to June 30, 2026, will be held at the Agniyotam Alka Avatar Mangal Bhavan located near Chandi Mor in the state capital. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is confirmed to attend the session for a day to interact with the state leadership and share organizational strategies.

High-level directive from AICC

The announcement came via an official directive issued by All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal. The central leadership has made attendance mandatory for all newly designated district and city chiefs appointed under the party’s ongoing Sangathan Srijan Campaign.

This upcoming session follows an earlier two-day orientation program held on February 10, 2026, at Indira Bhavan in New Delhi, where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had initially briefed the new appointees.

Focus on local poll preparation

Senior party leaders in Raipur indicated that the 10-day window is specifically designed to transition from macro-level orientation to micro-level execution on the ground.

"The initial briefings in Delhi were about the broad vision. The Chhattisgarh Congress training camp in Raipur will focus on local realities—booth management, countering the ruling party's narrative, and mobilizing workers for the impending urban body and panchayat elections," a senior Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) functionary stated.

Mandatory presence for senior leaders

The AICC directive has placed a heavy responsibility on the state unit to ensure seamless logistics and active participation.

According to the schedule, top state leaders, including AICC secretaries in charge of the state, the PCC chief, and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, have been instructed to dedicate maximum time to the camp. The letter explicitly mandates that senior state leaders must be present for at least five days of the session, including the first two and the final two days of the program.

Grassroots revival strategy

The camp is being viewed as a crucial step for the party to stabilize its base after leadership transitions following past electoral setbacks. Local party insiders suggest that training the fresh batch of district presidents is essential to aligning the party’s core ideology with modern campaign techniques and public outreach.

Participants have been instructed to reach the venue by 12:00 PM on June 21 to commence the formal sessions. Formal invitations and agendas are currently being dispatched to all district headquarters.

Over 35 Chhattisgarh Youth Congress leaders reach Delhi for presidential interviews

In a parallel development indicating intense internal activity within the state unit, more than 35 contenders from Chhattisgarh arrived at the Congress national headquarters in New Delhi on Friday.

The candidates are appearing for high-stakes interviews for the position of the State Youth Congress President. The process has gained significant traction amid murmurs of factional disagreements regarding candidate preferences.

Responding to speculations about internal discontent among senior state leaders over the selection process, Youth Congress leader Devendra Yadav dismissed the reports as mere political gossip, stating that the interviews are part of a routine, democratic screening process to find the most capable grassroots leader for the youth wing.

Bench rejects petition challenging Rajya Sabha nomination cancellation, says constitutional scheme bars interference once electoral process begins

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the petition filed by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the cancellation of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, observing that judicial intervention in such matters would run contrary to the constitutional framework governing elections.

A bench comprising Justice P.K. Mishra heard arguments from senior advocates on both sides before concluding that the court's jurisdiction under Article 32 cannot be invoked in disputes arising during the ongoing election process.

Legal remedy barred

Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the contesting candidate, argued that the right to contest an election is statutory, not fundamental—a principle established in the Jyoti Basu case and reaffirmed in subsequent rulings.

Since no fundamental right stands violated, Rohatgi contended, a petition under Article 32 is not maintainable. Citing Article 329, he said courts cannot intervene under Articles 32 or 226 once the election process has begun and until results are declared. Any election-related grievance, he stressed, must be pursued through an election petition after the process completes.

Singhvi's intervention argument

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Natarajan, pushed back forcefully. He argued that while challenges to rejected nominations typically follow the election petition route, the Supreme Court can directly intervene in cases involving clear legal error.

Justice Mishra pressed Singhvi for precedents supporting such intervention after nomination rejection. Singhvi cited the Mohinder Singh Gill and Ashok Kumar cases, acknowledging the key question remained whether this case qualified under that exception.

The core legal error, Singhvi maintained, was that the returning officer had acted as if all legal requirements had been met when only a complaint existed—no cognisance, no chargesheet, no framed charges.

'Not a contest of perfect candidates'

Singhvi argued that excluding a candidate in this manner would limit voters' choices and raise questions about electoral fairness. "Elections are not meant to be contests only between 'perfect' candidates," he said. "Neither the Constitution nor reality supports that view."

He told the court that good governance requires elections to proceed smoothly and according to law, adding that the case was not dependent on the election result since the issue involved was much larger.

Overnight developments

Singhvi drew the court's attention to actions taken while the matter was pending before the Supreme Court. The election result was declared the previous night despite the court being scheduled to hear the case.

"This is the Supreme Court," Singhvi said. "When the court is seized of a dispute, its jurisdiction cannot be defeated by creating a fait accompli." He argued that actions taken overnight to render the hearing meaningless undermined the rule of law.

Political fallout

The Congress party had fielded Natarajan for the third Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh and claimed it had sufficient numbers to support her candidature. However, her nomination was rejected on June 9 after the BJP alleged she had failed to disclose a case registered against her.

A day earlier, BJP candidates Rajnish Agrawal, Tarun Chugh and Mahesh Kewat were elected unopposed to all three Rajya Sabha seats from the state.

Speaking at a Delhi press conference, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari termed the nomination cancellation unprecedented and questioned whether the country was moving towards autocracy. He claimed Congress needed 58 MLAs to win and had support from other legislators, while the BJP was short by 10 MLAs.

What lies ahead

With the Supreme Court declining to intervene, legal experts suggest Natarajan's options are now limited to filing an election petition under the Representation of the People Act—a remedy that can only be pursued after the completion of the electoral process. The ruling reaffirms the judiciary's consistent position of maintaining distance from election disputes until the process reaches its natural conclusion.

Party leaders submit application against cancellation of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha bid, vow to move Supreme Court

In a dramatic late-night protest, senior Congress leaders led by former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel sat on a dharna outside the Election Commission office in Delhi on Tuesday, protesting the rejection of party candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh.

The protest, which stretched past midnight, saw the presence of prominent faces including Sachin Pilot, K C Venugopal, and Jairam Ramesh.

Late-Night Protest Outside EC

Baghel and other leaders arrived at the commission's office around evening hours, only to find the premises closed. Unwilling to wait until morning, they chose to stage a sit-in demonstration.

"Returning officer in Madhya Pradesh had given a hearing time of 5:30 PM. At that very time, the office shut down. Where do we submit our application against the decision to reject Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination?" Baghel said from the protest site.

He added that an office clerk eventually accepted their application after they sat on dharna. "Only after we submit our formal application will the path open to approach the court," the Congress leader explained.

What Sparked the Row

The Madhya Pradesh returning officer Arvind Sharma on Tuesday rejected Natarajan's nomination papers following objections raised by the BJP. According to political observers, with this rejection, all three Rajya Sabha seats from the state now have BJP candidates heading for unopposed election.

The BJP had alleged that Natarajan suppressed information about a pending case in a Hyderabad court while filing her nomination papers. The returning officer issued a show-cause notice, seeking a response by 5:30 PM Tuesday. Not satisfied with the Congress candidate's reply, the officer proceeded to cancel the nomination.

 Congress Alleges Conspiracy

Party leaders have accused the Election Commission of functioning under pressure from the ruling BJP. "The nomination cancellation is wrong and amounts to a political conspiracy," Baghel asserted.

Congress sources indicated that the party is preparing to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. Their argument rests on the nature of the pending matter – party leaders claim it is not even a criminal case where the court has taken cognizance.

Three BJP Candidates Now in Fray

The election for three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh is scheduled for June 18. Initially, four candidates were in the running – three from the BJP and Natarajan from Congress. With her nomination struck down, only three candidates remain in the contest, all belonging to the BJP.

Ahead of the polls, the Congress had already shifted nearly 48 of its party MLAs to Bengaluru in an apparent bid to prevent poaching attempts.

Party leaders say they will continue pressing the Election Commission and are exploring all legal options available. The coming days will determine whether the matter reaches the Supreme Court and if the Congress nominee can secure any relief before the June 18 polling date.

The seventh meeting of the INDIA bloc concluded at the Constitution Club here on Monday, with top opposition leaders reaching a five-point consensus on key national issues ranging from electoral reforms to economic distress. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced the decisions after hours of deliberations, signalling an attempt by the alliance to regroup ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and several others attended the meeting in person, while Uddhav Thackeray and Hemant Soren joined virtually. Kharge later told reporters that 23 to 25 parties participated and a broad agreement was reached despite differing regional concerns.

Leaders Gather After Two-Year Gap

The meeting comes nearly two years after the last formal INDIA bloc gathering in Delhi in June 2024. In the interim, the alliance navigated multiple state polls with mixed results — fighting united in some states like Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, but separately in others including Kerala and West Bengal.

Senior leaders described the Monday huddle as an opportunity to address common challenges posed by the ruling NDA. Kharge highlighted issues such as alleged misuse of central agencies, economic slowdown, and youth unemployment.

Five Key Decisions Announced

After the meeting, Kharge outlined the consensus points. The alliance decided to send a letter to the Chief Justice of India raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged irregularities in the electoral process. 

The bloc also unanimously demanded the immediate resignation of the Union Education Minister, citing lapses in the conduct of NEET and CBSE examinations that affected lakhs of students. 

A third point called upon the Centre to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the “precarious” economic situation, rising prices, unemployment, and farmers’ issues. 

Also Read: Internal rumblings surface as INDIA bloc convenes in national capital

Regular Coordination Planned

In a bid to strengthen unity, parties agreed to meet physically every two months. The next meeting is scheduled for Hyderabad in August. Additionally, parliamentary floor coordination will continue during the upcoming Monsoon Session, with daily morning meetings at the office of Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.

Kharge emphasised that all parties shared their views freely and consensus emerged on fighting together on people-centric issues.

UnderCurrents of Tension

The meeting took place against a backdrop of visible strains within the alliance. Posters targeting Rahul Gandhi and the Congress appeared on Akbar Road earlier in the day, which Youth Congress workers later removed. Several leaders dismissed the posters as “cheap tactics” possibly aimed at creating divisions. 

Regional frictions were also evident. Parties from Kerala and Jharkhand have expressed unhappiness over recent Congress decisions, while seat-sharing talks for future polls remain delicate. Mamata Banerjee’s attendance drew attention amid reports of some Trinamool Congress MPs exploring other options. Despite these challenges, leaders projected a show of unity, with Sonia Gandhi and Mamata seen sharing warm moments.

Sharad Pawar, who attended with daughter Supriya Sule, noted that no immediate major decisions were expected but discussions would continue. He spoke of evolving a “formula” to prevent rigidity and maintain alliance cohesion, especially with no major national polls for the next few years.

Opposition Eyes United Front

The INDIA bloc, formed in 2023, had tasted success in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, restricting the BJP from a majority on its own. Since then, it has seen both victories and setbacks in state elections. Monday’s meeting is seen as an effort to recalibrate strategy ahead of the 2029 general elections and upcoming state polls in states like Uttar Pradesh.

Congress leaders expressed confidence that the alliance remained united at the national level despite local differences. RJD’s Manoj Kumar Jha and others called for addressing internal issues on appropriate platforms rather than through public posturing.

As the Monsoon Session approaches, the opposition is expected to press the government on economic concerns, education reforms, and electoral integrity. The decisions taken today are likely to shape their parliamentary strategy in the coming weeks. 

The development comes at a time when opposition parties are seeking to counter what they describe as “misgovernance” on multiple fronts. How effectively they translate today’s consensus into coordinated action will be watched closely in the days ahead.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced that it will not participate in the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled in New Delhi on June 8, marking a significant escalation in its growing rift with the Congress. The decision comes after senior DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the Congress of betraying the party by supporting actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) following the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The latest development signals a major political shift in Tamil Nadu and raises fresh questions about the future of opposition unity at the national level. Addressing a thanksgiving meeting in Chennai’s Chepauk-Triplicane constituency on Thursday, Udhayanidhi said the DMK would not forget what he described as Congress’ “betrayal” after nearly two decades of political partnership.

According to Udhayanidhi, several Congress legislators who won elections as part of the DMK-led alliance later extended support to TVK, a move that the DMK views as a breach of trust. He also pointed out that none of the victorious Congress MLAs visited the DMK leadership after the election results, further deepening tensions between the two parties.

Alliance Under Strain

The fallout has already resulted in visible political distancing. In May, the DMK sought a separate seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha, formally requesting that its MPs no longer be seated alongside Congress members. DMK leader Kanimozhi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, stating that the changing political circumstances warranted a revised arrangement.

The latest decision to skip the INDIA bloc meeting is being viewed as another strong signal that relations between the two parties have deteriorated significantly. The June 8 meeting is expected to bring together leaders from several opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, to discuss future political strategies.

TVK's Rise Alters Political Equations

The emergence of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK has reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Formed in 2024, the party delivered a remarkable performance in the Assembly elections, securing 108 seats and emerging as a major force in the state.

The Congress decision to support TVK after the election results appears to have triggered the current conflict. DMK leaders argue that the move effectively undermined the alliance that had worked together during the election campaign.

Political analysts believe the development could have wider implications for opposition politics, especially at a time when regional parties are reassessing their relationships within the INDIA bloc.

From Partnership to Political Break

The Congress-DMK relationship has experienced several phases over the decades. While the two parties first collaborated during the early 1970s under the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the alliance later fractured after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

The partnership was revived in 2004 when the DMK exited the NDA and joined hands with Congress. The alliance went on to achieve significant electoral success, including a near sweep in the 2004 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections and victory in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Following Karunanidhi’s death, DMK president M.K. Stalin further strengthened ties with Congress. However, the post-election developments of 2026 have now brought the alliance to a breaking point.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and about 10 of his supporters after an alleged assault on Rajapur’s naib tehsildar, officials said on Monday. The incident on the evening of May 27 has triggered a shutdown of tehsil offices and a protest by junior administrative officers across the district.

What happened
According to police records and administrative sources, the naib tehsildar of Rajapur, Tushar Manik, was allegedly assaulted in Rajapur by Toppo and his supporters when he had gone there to sign a file connected to a land document. Initial reports indicate the confrontation began after a dispute over processing a branch-shodh (land record) application filed on May 14 by the MLA’s relative, and escalated when the naib tehsildar was summoned back to Rajapur from Sitapur.

FIR and counter-FIR
An FIR against Toppo and his associates—named in police papers as Yusuf, Nazim Raja, Pankaj Gupta and others—was lodged under multiple sections including obstruction of public servants and assault. A counter-FIR has also been registered after a complaint from the MLA’s camp, police said. Both cases are under investigation by the Sitapur police.

Officials’ response
Local administration sources said tehsildars and naib tehsildars met Surguja Collector Ajit Vasant on Monday morning. Following the meeting, junior administrative officers staged a sit-in at Kalakendra ground, pressing for the MLA’s arrest and immediate action. “Unless appropriate action is taken, the agitation will continue,” a senior local officer said on condition of anonymity.

Victim’s demand: narco test
The alleged victim, Tushar Manik, told reporters he wants a narco analysis for himself and the MLA to establish facts, and he urged authorities to order the test. “We want the truth to come out. Until a proper probe is completed, our strike will continue,” Manik said. Toppo, contacted by phone, said he is ready to cooperate with all investigations and submit to tests if required, but has not clearly indicated whether he will surrender to police.

Political reaction
Congress state president Deepak Baij criticised the state government and the BJP, calling the episode an example of “gundagardi” by party workers and accusing the administration of double standards. “The chief minister must say whether his MLA will be arrested,” Baij said on social media. Former deputy chief minister T.S. Singhdev described the incident as unfortunate and stressed that rule of law must prevail if an FIR exists.

Ground-level impact
Tehsil offices in Surguja remain technically open but routine work has come to a halt, officials at the district headquarters said. Citizens seeking land certificates and other services faced delays on Monday as scores of administrative staff took part in the protest. “Public work is suffering. People have to wait while the administration sorts this out,” a local resident in Rajapur said.

Timeline and movements
Police records show the altercation took place around 6pm on May 27. Toppo had already reportedly returned to Sitapur when the naib tehsildar was called back to Rajapur. The MLA later travelled towards Ambikapur but was stopped by supporters at Mangari and returned to Sitapur, according to local accounts. There were reports that the MLA spent the night at the rest house with supporters.

What happens next
Investigating officers said statements are being recorded and evidence collected; forensic or medical reports from the alleged assault are awaited. The district administration is expected to furnish a status update after preliminary inquiries. Sources said any order for narco analysis would require court permission or a directive from higher police authorities.

Related developments
The episode has become a political flashpoint in Surguja, with both ruling and opposition camps using social media to press their narratives. District police said they will act as per law once investigations yield conclusive evidence.