Hardeep Puri Files Nominaton For Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha Bypoll

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. The event took place in Bhopal, the state capital, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, and other senior party leaders present. Puri's candidature follows the resignation of Union Minister of State L Murugan, whose term would have ended in April 2030.

Mohan Yadav expressed confidence in Puri's administrative skills and efficiency, stating that his experience would benefit Madhya Pradesh's development. Hemant Khandelwal highlighted Puri's contributions to significant projects in the state, including the Bina refinery and the Smart Cities Mission. However, the Congress Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhhar, criticized Puri for choosing Madhya Pradesh after reportedly failing to secure a ticket from Uttar Pradesh.

The by-election is scheduled for November 12, with counting to follow on the same day. The BJP, which holds a strong majority in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly with 164 out of 230 seats, is expected to secure the seat. A candidate requires 116 votes to win, assuming all 230 MLAs participate.