Supreme Court defers hearing on Congress plea against cancellation of Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh.

The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred till Friday a hearing on a Congress petition challenging the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The adjournment came after the Election Commission told the court it had not received a copy of the petition.

The development has intensified the political slugfest in the state, with the Congress accusing the poll panel and the Returning Officer of bias, while the BJP maintains the decision followed due process over non-disclosure of a pending case.

Nomination Rejected During Scrutiny

The controversy erupted on June 9 when Returning Officer Arvind Sharma rejected Natarajan’s papers during scrutiny. BJP’s Mahesh Kewat, one of the candidates for the third seat, had raised an objection, claiming the Congress leader failed to disclose details of a private complaint pending against her in a Hyderabad court in her election affidavit (Form 26).

Congress leaders, including senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the matter was merely a “show cause notice” issued on a private complaint and did not amount to a pending criminal case requiring disclosure. No FIR had been registered, and no cognizance had been taken by the court, they contended.

Congress Moves Supreme Court

Late on Wednesday night, the Congress filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking urgent intervention. During the brief hearing on Thursday, Singhvi pressed for immediate relief, pointing out that the last date for withdrawal of nominations was 3 pm on June 11. The Election Commission, however, sought time to examine the petition.

The apex court eventually listed the matter for Friday, with Congress requesting that the election process, including declaration of results, be stayed in the interim.

BJP Poised for Clean Sweep

Madhya Pradesh is electing three Rajya Sabha members on June 18. With Natarajan’s nomination out and the other two Congress candidates also reportedly facing issues, the BJP’s Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agrawal, and Mahesh Kewat are now set for an unopposed victory if no last-minute changes occur. This would hand the saffron party all three seats without a contest.

Congress leaders have termed the rejection an attempt to “steal” the seat and undermine democracy.

 Protests and Political Fallout

The party has been protesting in Bhopal and Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar accused the Election Commission of acting as a “rubber stamp” for the BJP. Singhar questioned why the Commission intervened in cases involving BJP candidates in other states but remained silent here.

A delegation of Congress leaders, including Singhvi, also met Election Commission officials on Wednesday, urging them to overturn the Returning Officer’s decision. Separately, Congress MLAs are scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi on Thursday to highlight the issue.

Senior leaders are also holding a meeting at the AICC headquarters to strategise the next steps, both legally and politically.

What Happens Next

Legal experts point out that the Election Commission has the authority to review the Returning Officer’s order. Former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat noted that if the Commission finds merit in Congress’s arguments, it could direct restoration of the nomination, potentially leading to fresh polling for that seat.

If the Commission does not intervene before the withdrawal deadline, the process will move forward with the remaining valid candidates. The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday could, however, introduce further twists, including possible interim relief.

The Congress has maintained that the rejection sets a dangerous precedent for disclosure norms in election affidavits, while the BJP has defended the scrutiny process as necessary for transparency.

As political temperatures rise in Bhopal and Delhi, all eyes remain on the apex court’s hearing tomorrow and any move by the Election Commission before the crucial 3 pm deadline on Thursday.

The outcome will not only decide the fate of one Rajya Sabha seat but also test the robustness of the electoral dispute resolution mechanism ahead of larger polls.

Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre Claims Loyalty to Congress Amid Defection Row

Court Seeks BJP Switch Proof

Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre asserted in the Madhya Pradesh High Court that she remains loyal to Congress, even as Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar pressed for evidence of her alleged BJP defection. The court recorded her statement and directed Singhar to submit party whip copies by April 9. Next hearing fixes for April 20.

Singhar Files Termination Petition

Singhar, a senior Congress leader, petitioned the High Court in November 2024 to disqualify Sapre under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution. He claims her membership ended automatically upon switching parties. The move follows her no-show on a Congress whip during key votes.

Sapre Attends BJP Event

Sapre won the Bina seat in Sagar district on a Congress ticket in 2023. Tensions peaked on May 5, 2024, when she joined a BJP rally with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav amid Lok Sabha polls. Social media posts of her with BJP leaders soon went viral, fuelling defection charges.

High Court Division Bench Hears Case

A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf heard arguments on Tuesday. Sapre's counsel Sanjay Agarwal insisted no party switch occurred. Advocate General Prashant Singh noted the matter pends before the Assembly Speaker, with her statements already recorded.

Whip Copies as Key Evidence

Singhar's advocate Vibhor Khandelwal, appearing via video, promised party whip evidence by April 9. Viral images show Sapre alongside Yadav, but the court cautioned against relying solely on social media. "Present solid proof before the Speaker," the bench directed.

Background of Defection Dispute

Singhar first approached Speaker Raman Singh on July 5, 2024, citing anti-defection law violations. With no decision after months, he escalated to court. Officials indicate Sapre skipped Congress directives, raising questions over her allegiance in the opposition camp.

Assembly Speaker Hearing Looms

A parallel hearing awaits before the Speaker on April 20, aligning with the High Court's schedule. Sources say Singhar's evidence could sway proceedings. Sapre maintains her Congress ties, denying any formal BJP entry.

Political Fallout in Madhya Pradesh

The row exposes rifts in state politics, testing anti-defection norms post-2023 polls. Congress accuses BJP of poaching, while ruling side calls it internal discord. Public eyes the outcome amid ongoing National and International News on similar cases.

Future Course of Action

Singhar must file whip documents soon. Courts stress authentic evidence over online buzz. This Bina MLA defection saga could redefine loyalty tests in Madhya Pradesh assembly, with implications for India News Update on political stability.

In a surprising move, Madhya Pradesh Ministers Vijayvargiya and Patel skipped a crucial agriculture cabinet meeting in Nagalwadi, Barwani, organized by the Mohan Yadav government. The absence has sparked fresh speculation about internal rifts within the BJP leadership, especially after their recent Delhi meetings with Amit Shah.

Vijayvargiya's Packed Day: Festivals and High-Profile Meet

Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya was spotted at the vibrant Bhagoria festival in Alirajpur alongside Minister Nagar Singh Chauhan and MP Anita Chauhan. Later, he met Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha in Indore and joined the lively Phag procession at night. Vijayvargiya defended his presence, stating, "I came to celebrate Bhagoria and congratulate the tribal community, not for politics."

This comes amid ongoing tensions. On Saturday, Vijayvargiya, Panchayat Minister Prahlad Patel, and CM Mohan Yadav held separate meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi—days after Vijayvargiya's controversial "status" remarks during the budget session hinted at discord.

Prahlad Patel Stays in Bhopal, Skips Barwani Meet

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel remained in Bhopal throughout the day. He met newly appointed BJP Kisan Morcha state general secretary Captain Singh Yadav, his former PA, who shared a social media photo of seeking blessings. Patel also met Sushil Gupta of Jararudham Gaushala Sanctuary in Damoh before heading to Vidisha.

Captain Singh Yadav posted: "After becoming state general secretary of BJP Kisan Morcha, I met respected Prahlad Singh Patel ji, received his blessings, and expressed gratitude."

Singhar-Vijayvargiya Clash Ignites at Bhagoria Festival

Tensions boiled over at Alirajpur's Bhagoria folk festival, a key tribal cultural event drawing migrants home. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar confronted Vijayvargiya over his assembly "status" comment on tribals, asking, "Have you come to insult tribals or apologize?"

Singhar told media: "The government preaches tribal respect, yet ministers belittle them. Bhagoria is a generational tradition." Vijayvargiya hit back: "I'll respond where necessary. Central and state schemes give every tribal family ₹30,000-50,000 annually."

Why This Matters Now

With festivals like Bhagoria highlighting tribal culture in Madhya Pradesh politics, these skips and spats underscore growing factionalism in the Mohan Yadav government. As budget session echoes linger, it raises questions on unity ahead of key agricultural decisions. BJP leaders dismiss rift rumors, but stakeholders watch closely for impacts on farmer policies.

Budget Session witnesses heated exchanges as Opposition alleges funds diverted to police officials' families; proceedings adjourned twice

The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed unprecedented turmoil on Thursday as Congress legislators staged a walkout demanding a thorough investigation into alleged compensation irregularities linked to the Adani Group's coal block project in Singrauli district. The ninth day of the Budget Session was marred by repeated adjournments as Opposition members refused to back down, claiming that funds meant for tribal families were diverted to ineligible recipients, including family members of police officials.

Allegations of Compensation Scam Rock House

The storm erupted during Question Hour when Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar raised the issue of land acquisition for the Adani Group's coal block at Dhirouli in Singrauli. Singhar informed the House that land from eight villages is being acquired, with 12,998 families officially identified as affected persons in the Collector's list.

However, what sent shockwaves through the Treasury benches were specific allegations that compensation meant for tribal families found its way into the accounts of individuals with no connection to the affected villages.

In a startling revelation, Singhar alleged that ₹15,94,990 was deposited into the account of the wife of Station House Officer Jitendra Bhadauria, while ₹14,42,482 was transferred to Swati Singh, wife of Traffic In-charge Deependra Singh Kushwaha.

"Tribal families whose ancestral land was acquired are yet to receive their full compensation, but funds have been credited to those who have no business being beneficiaries," Singhar charged, demanding that the matter be referred to a House committee for comprehensive investigation.

Government Assures Probe, But Opposition Unmoved

As the allegations triggered uproar, Steel Minister Karan Singh Verma attempted to clarify that compensation has so far been distributed to 1,552 affected families, with each tribal family eligible for up to approximately ₹50 lakh. He assured that if any outsider has received compensation, the matter will be investigated.

Minister Prahlad Patel added that action is being taken according to the government's compensation policy and promised that the beneficiary list would be tabled before the House.

Singrauli in-charge minister Sampatiya Uikey confirmed that 33,000 trees have been felled in the area and that land from five villages has been acquired. However, she maintained that coal extraction has not yet commenced, with only overburden removal work currently underway.

Despite these assurances, Congress MLAs led by Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat remained adamant, demanding a committee under senior minister Kailash Vijayvargiya to conduct a ground inspection. "The minister herself admitted trees were cut and soil removed. The allegations now stand substantiated. We need a fair, impartial inquiry," Shekhawat asserted.

Speaker's Intervention Fails to Pacify Members

Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar attempted to restore order, stating that the government had agreed to conduct an inquiry and urging members to cooperate. However, even as Zero Hour notices were being read, Congress legislators continued sloganeering, eventually staging a walkout in protest.

The House was adjourned twice—first for 10 minutes and later briefly—as Opposition members gathered in the Well, raising slogans against what they termed "Adani sarkar."

Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh was heard remarking, "The government has become Adani's government," as legislators from his party displayed placards demanding justice for affected tribal families.

Parallel Concerns Raised Over School Funds, Drug Trade

Amid the compensation controversy, the Assembly also witnessed discussions on other pressing matters. BJP MLA Shrikant Chaturvedi raised a Calling Attention motion highlighting negligence in school building maintenance, alleging that despite crores being released, funds were misused through official collusion. School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh assured that 17 individuals, including a school principal, have already faced FIRs.

Separately, BJP MLA from Jaora, Rajendra Pandey, raised alarm over rising illegal narcotics trade in the Malwa region, claiming that MD drug manufacturing has begun alongside traditional narcotics, with illegal arms trafficking operating under its cover.

What Next?

With the Congress staging a walkout and demanding a structured probe, the ball now lies in the government's court. Minister Prahlad Patel has urged all legislators to respect the Speaker's ruling and uphold the House's dignity. However, given the gravity of allegations involving tribal compensation and police officials' families, the issue is unlikely to subside quietly.

As one affected villager from Singrauli reportedly told local media, "We lost our land hoping for a better future. If our compensation has gone elsewhere, who will answer for our children's empty stomachs?"

The coming days will reveal whether the government's promised inquiry satisfies the Opposition or whether the Singrauli coal block controversy becomes the flashpoint for a longer political battle in the Assembly.