Two candidates disqualified in Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha bypoll

NEW DELHI — A Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha bypoll has taken a decisive turn with the disqualification of two independent candidates, leaving BJP nominee Hardeep Singh Puri as the frontrunner in the election. Among those whose nomination papers were rejected was Rajkumar Lohani, who had the backing of the Indian National Congress. The rejection of these candidatures has substantially narrowed the competitive field for the Upper House seat. The Congress party, which had fielded Lohani, has announced plans to move court against the decision, signalling its intention to challenge the election authority's action. The party views the disqualification as undermining fair electoral competition in the state. With the number of viable candidates now significantly reduced, political observers expect the bypoll outcome to hinge on the performance of remaining contenders and voter participation levels across the state. The Rajya Sabha seat fell vacant, triggering the need for a bypoll to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the current term. The election assumes significance in the context of ongoing political dynamics in Madhya Pradesh and its implications for the BJP-led government's strength in the Upper House.