Rejection of Meenakshi’s RS Nomination Triggers Political Row

A dharna was organised at the Ambedkar statue under the Telangana Thalli flyover by Khairatabad DCC president Motha Rohit, demanding justice for the AICC Telangana in-charge. Describing the rejection as a “blatant attack on democracy”, Rohit alleged that the decision was politically motivated.

PCC media committee chairman Sama Rammohan Reddy said the returning officer had no authority to adjudicate complaints, citing Supreme Court guidelines. “The RO rejected her nomination under pressure from someone. There are no criminal cases against the leader in Telangana. Her nomination was rejected by fabricating a pretext. How does the mere filing of a complaint amount to a criminal case?,” he asked.

Meanwhile, Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy lodged a complaint with the deputy commissioner of police, Central Crime Station, seeking registration of a criminal case against social media handlers who blamed Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for the rejection of Natarajan’s nomination.

“I strongly condemn the malicious propaganda being spread with political ulterior motives to tarnish the reputation of CM Revanth Reddy. I have requested the authorities to identify the individuals and organizations behind this malicious campaign, conduct a thorough investigation, and register an FIR,” he stated.

Defending the Election Commission’s decision, BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao said the poll body had acted strictly in accordance with the law. He maintained that the BJP had no role in the matter and alleged that Natarajan had failed to disclose a pending case in her sworn affidavit. Rao, a senior advocate, said Supreme Court guidelines require candidates to declare all pending cases and assets in their affidavits.

BRS leaders, however, alleged that Natarajan’s nomination was rejected due to internal rivalries within the Congress. Party MLC Dasoju Sravan claimed that she had previously attempted to “correct the dictatorial functioning” of those leading the party and was targeted for her stand.

“At a time when money power is increasingly influencing politics, the Parliament needs voices of integrity and principle rather than individuals backed by enormous wealth,” he said.

Natarajan’s nomination was rejected on the basis of a private complaint filed in court by a woman Congress leader in 2025. The principal allegations of sexual assault and harassment were directed against another party leader. Natarajan was named as a respondent in the petition in her capacity as AICC Telangana in-charge. The complainant alleged that the party leadership failed to act effectively despite being informed of her grievances.