Hardeep Puri set to win RS bypoll in MP after 2 candidates' nominations rejected

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is set to win the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha bypoll unopposed after the nomination papers of two independent candidates, including one backed by the Congress, were rejected during scrutiny. Congress leaders said they would challenge the Returning Officer's decision in court.Hardeep Singh Puri with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan YadavNew Delhi,Nov 3, 2026 20:43 ISTUnion Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is poised to win the Rajya Sabha bypoll from Madhya Pradesh after the nomination papers of two independent candidates, including one supported by the Congress, were rejected on Tuesday.An official said the outcome would be declared on November 5, the deadline for withdrawing nominations. The seat became vacant following the resignation of Union Minister L Murugan, reported news agency PTI.The nomination papers of Kante Sayanna and Congress-backed Rajkumar Lohani were rejected on the final day of scrutiny, the official said.Sayanna and Lohani, along with Congress leader Hemant Katare, raised objections to Puri's nomination papers. They claimed that his affidavit submitted in Form 26 was incomplete and invalid. Returning Officer Umesh Sharma considered the objections and ruled that Puri had not breached any provision of the Representation of the People Act. Sharma said in his order that no defect had been found in Puri's nomination papers.Katare and Congress MLA Atif Aqeel said they would challenge the order in court. "This is an attack on Indian democracy. Despite such significant errors, the nomination was not rejected," they said in a statement. With the two rival nominations rejected and Puri's papers found valid, the Union minister is set to secure the Rajya Sabha seat when the result is announced on November 5.This is a developing story. It will be updated.- Ends