Veteran Naresh Gyanchandani Resigns After Congress Fields Meenakshi Natarajan For Rajya Sabha Polls

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Congress witnessed a significant development on Monday as Meenakshi Natarajan filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls, while senior party leader Naresh Gyanchandani resigned, citing disappointment over not being nominated.

Gyanchandani, who has served the Congress for 37 years, submitted his resignation to Madhya Pradesh PCC chief Jitu Patwari.

Speaking on the matter, he said he had always prioritised the party’s interests and never expected anything in return.

His resignation has sparked fresh speculation in political circles across the state, including Bhopal.

Natarajan filed her nomination at the Vidhan Sabha election office in the presence of Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar and PCC Chief Jitu Patwari.

BJP fields Mahesh Kewat

On the same day, BJP’s Mahesh Kewat filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls, accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The CM expressed confidence in Kewat, highlighting the party’s commitment to providing representation to all sections of society.

Congress hits back

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar criticised the BJP, saying, “BJP’s true face is now out in the open. Our MLAs will not be intimidated. We will fight this election with full unity — and we will win.”

Jitu Patwari added, “BJP talks about women’s reservation and then opposes a woman candidate, despite being short on MLAs themselves. This is plain horse-trading. All our MLAs are with us.”

Cogress MLAs distanced from BJP?

Meanwhile, reports suggest that some Congress MLAs are being shifted to Telangana and Karnataka, reportedly to prevent poaching attempts by the BJP ahead of the vote.

Tarana MLA Mahesh Parmar said he had not personally received any offer but confirmed that such moves were being discussed regarding other MLAs.

Congress in-charge Harish Chaudhary called these attempts “an attack on democratic values” but asserted that the party would fight and win regardless.