Hardeep Singh Puri Set for Unopposed RS Entry as Congress-Backed Candidate's Nomination Rejected

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is set to enter the Rajya Sabha unopposed from Madhya Pradesh after the nomination papers of two independent candidates, including Congress-backed Rajkumar Lohani, were rejected during scrutiny on Tuesday.

Lohani's nomination was rejected because he had not attached the mandatory Form 26 affidavit, which requires candidates to disclose their assets, liabilities, criminal cases and educational qualifications.

However, Lohani disputed the circumstances surrounding the missing document, claiming that he had submitted the required papers in hard and soft copies but was not allowed to furnish the physical affidavit before the November 2 deadline. He also sought additional time to submit it, but the Returning Officer, Umesh Sharma, rejected his request.

The nomination of another independent candidate, Kante Sayanna, was also rejected over incomplete documentation, reportedly for failing to meet the prescribed proposers' requirement.

Meanwhile, Lohani, Sayanna and Congress leaders Hemant Katare and Atif Aqeel objected to Puri's nomination, alleging discrepancies in his Form 26 affidavit. Their objections reportedly included questions over the disclosure of overseas assets, his wife's details, asset valuation and notarisation. Congress leaders claimed to have identified more than 25 shortcomings.

However, Sharma rejected the objections, ruling that Puri had not violated the requirements of the Representation of the People Act and that no defect had been found in his nomination papers.

Katare and Aqeel announced that they would challenge the decision in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, calling it an attack on Indian democracy.

The seat fell vacant following the resignation of Union Minister L Murugan. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is November 5, after which Puri is expected to be declared elected unopposed if no further developments affect the process. Polling was scheduled for November 12.