7 publishers · first seen Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00 UTC · updated Wed, 04 Nov 2026 03:11 UTC
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is set to win the Rajya Sabha bypoll in Madhya Pradesh unopposed, as the nominations of two independent candidates were rejected. The Returning Officer accepted Puri's nomination despite objections from Congress and the independent candidates, who claimed his Form 26 affidavit was invalid. The Madhya Pradesh seat became vacant following the resignation of L Murugan. Puri is expected to be declared elected unopposed on November 5, the last day for candidates to withdraw their nominations.
The Returning Officer dismissed objections raised by Congress and the independent candidates, Kante Sayanna and Rajkumar Lohani, stating that Puri's nomination papers were in compliance with the Representation of the People Act. The Congress has announced plans to approach the High Court over the decision, accusing the Returning Officer of ignoring significant errors in Puri's nomination papers.
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