As the decision on Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s rejected nomination remained swayed between the Election Commission and the Supreme Court, BJP’s all three candidates were declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from the State. BJP candidates Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agrawal and Mahesh Kewat were elected on Thursday, formally ending a bitter contest in which Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was rejected. Natarajan’s nomination was rejected by the Returning Officer for allegedly not disclosing a pending court case. Hearing on the Congress leader’s plea in the Supreme Court is scheduled on Friday. Bharatiya Janata Party candidates Rajneesh Agrawal, Tarun Chugh and Mahesh Kewat received certificates from the Election Commission, with this their victory as was expected has now been officially endorsed. There was no surprise when the party fielded Mahesh Kewat against Meenakshi Natarajan, raising concern among Congress leaders.

 

Rajya Sabha polls battle became interesting and competitive by that time. But rejection of Congress candidate’s nomination paved the way for Kewat’s victory. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Mahesh Kewat expressed gratitude to the party for the victory. As his elevation as a member of RS marks his long-standing association with the Sangh Parivar, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and later joined the BJP as an active member of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). He hails from Orchha. He has worked at district-level and gradually rose to a post in the party at State-level becoming state executive. By fielding Kewat, party has balanced social as well as political equations cleverly. Party’s another candidates and senior leader Tarun Chugh represents the BJP’s national face and Rajneesh Agrawal carries vast experience to work at State-level. Giving representation to fishing community and a grassroots level worker, party has given a ray of hope to other workers.