RS polls: Cong’s Meenakshi Natarajan, BJP’s 3rd candidate Mahesh Kewat file nominations

Bhopal: The contest for the three Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh turned politically charged on Monday as Congress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan and BJP’s surprise third candidate Mahesh Kewat filed their nomination papers amid massive shows of strength by both parties.

Natarajan filed her nomination at the Assembly in the presence of senior Congress leaders, including state in-charge Harish Chaudhary, MPCC chief Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, former CM Digvijaya Singh, Ajay Singh ‘Rahul Bhaiya’, Arun Yadav and Congress MLAs. Congress leaders sought to project unity amid speculation triggered by BJP’s move to field a third candidate despite not having the required numbers on its own.

Addressing reporters, Patwari alleged that BJP’s decision exposed its “real character”. “On one hand, they speak of women empowerment, but despite lacking 8-10 MLAs, they have fielded a candidate against our woman nominee. They will now try to influence MLAs by any means. This is an attempt to crush democracy,” he alleged, while asserting that Congress would ensure Natarajan’s victory “by 500%”.

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar said the nomination symbolised Congress’ unity and commitment towards democratic values. Natarajan, too, accused BJP of attempting to undermine constitutional values, saying all Congress MLAs were united.

Later in the day, BJP’s third nominee Mahesh Kewat, chairman of the MP Machhua Kalyan Board, filed his papers in the presence of CM Mohan Yadav, BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal, state in-charge Mahendra Singh, and senior ministers and party leaders. Before filing the nomination, Kewat offered prayers at the BJP state office and paid tributes to party icons.

“I am satisfied that following the glorious tradition of the party, BJP has fielded a third Rajya Sabha candidate again. In the future, we will win all three seats, nomination was filed with this resolution,” CM Mohan Yadav said.

BJP already filed nominations for its other two candidates — Rajneesh Agarwal and Tarun Chugh — on June 6.