Political turmoil erupted in Madhya Pradesh after the nomination of Congress's Rajya Sabha candidate, Meenakshi Natarajan, was rejected.
Senior Rajasthan leaders Sachin Pilot and Harish Choudhary protested by spending the night on the street outside the Election Commission office in Bhopal.
Senior leaders like Congress National General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel also joined the sit-in.
Congress has termed the action a well-planned political conspiracy of 'seat theft after vote theft'.
BHOPAL | A political storm erupted in Madhya Pradesh when the nomination form of Congress's Rajya Sabha candidate, Meenakshi Natarajan, was rejected. In protest against this decision, the Congress began an indefinite sit-in outside the Election Commission office in Bhopal, led by two prominent faces from Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot and Harish Choudhary.
Aggressive Stance of Rajasthan Leaders in National Politics
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot, and Baytoo MLA Harish Choudhary were seen fully active in this protest. Both leaders not only participated in the sit-in but also spent the entire night on the street outside the Election Commission's office. Their combative style was witnessed after a long time.
Sachin Pilot is currently the AICC National General Secretary, while Harish Choudhary is in charge of the Madhya Pradesh Congress. As the in-charge, it was natural for Choudhary to lead the charge on this issue. The presence of these two leaders infused new energy among the local workers.
All-Night Dharna at the Election Commission Office
The protest continued throughout the night, with several senior Congress leaders arriving to join in. Along with Pilot and Choudhary, Congress National General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, senior leader Jairam Ramesh, and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel were also present.
The leaders held a vigil, chanting slogans for the 'protection of democracy.' Despite a heavy police presence and barricading, the Congress leaders did not yield to administrative pressure and remained firm on their demand for a review of the decision.
Taking a swipe at the ruling party, Harish Choudhary said, "Through the Election Commission, the process of 'seat theft' after 'vote theft' has begun in Madhya Pradesh today. We must save this country, its constitution, and keep our democracy alive at all costs."
'This is a Question of Suppressing the Opposition's Voice'
During the protest, Sachin Pilot also described the incident as a dangerous sign for the democratic system. He stated that the misuse of administrative institutions is a violation of the public's rights.
Pilot said, "There is no FIR or chargesheet against the candidate, yet the nomination was cancelled. Our candidate's nomination was rejected without any basis. In a democracy, if we don't come here, where will we go?"
This entire episode has heated up the political atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress is also preparing to challenge the matter legally, making it clear that this political battle will be a long one with far-reaching consequences.
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