Rejecting Meenakshi Natarajan’s Nomination Is Like Saying ‘2+2=7’: Abhishek Manu Singhvi After Meeting EC
Senior Congress leader and legal expert Abhishek Manu Singhvi has strongly criticized the Returning Officer's decision to reject Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination, comparing it to claiming that "2+2=7." Following a meeting with the Election Commission, Singhvi alleged that the rejection was legally untenable and called for corrective action.
Written by
Jyoti Mukherjee

Congress Escalates Challenge Over Nomination Rejection
The Congress party has intensified its protest against the rejection of senior leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers, with senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi describing the decision as fundamentally flawed.
Speaking after meeting officials of the Election Commission of India, Singhvi said the Returning Officer's order was so unreasonable that it was comparable to saying "2+2=7."
The Congress leader argued that the rejection lacked legal merit and raised serious concerns about the nomination scrutiny process.
Singhvi Questions Returning Officer's Decision
According to Singhvi, the grounds cited by the Returning Officer for rejecting the nomination do not withstand legal examination.
He maintained that the Congress had presented its objections and supporting documents before the Election Commission and expressed confidence that the matter would receive a fair hearing.
The senior lawyer said democratic institutions must ensure that candidates are not prevented from contesting elections through what he described as erroneous interpretations of rules and procedures.
Election Commission Meets Congress Delegation
The Congress delegation met Election Commission officials to formally present its concerns regarding the rejection of Natarajan's nomination.
Party leaders urged the poll panel to review the circumstances surrounding the Returning Officer's decision and ensure that electoral processes remain transparent and impartial.
The Election Commission has not publicly commented on the merits of the complaint, maintaining its standard practice of examining representations through established procedures.
Political Row Intensifies
The issue has quickly evolved into a political controversy, with Congress leaders alleging unfair treatment and demanding accountability.
The party claims that the rejection could have broader implications for electoral fairness and democratic participation.
Opposition leaders have argued that nomination scrutiny must be conducted strictly according to legal provisions and without bias.
BJP Yet to Respond in Detail
While the controversy continues to generate political attention, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party have not issued a detailed response to Singhvi's latest remarks.
Political observers note that disputes over nomination papers are not uncommon during election seasons and often become subjects of legal and political scrutiny.
Experts also point out that electoral laws provide mechanisms for candidates and political parties to challenge decisions they consider incorrect.
Focus Shifts to Election Commission
With the Congress now formally raising the matter before the Election Commission, attention has shifted to how the poll body addresses the concerns raised by the party.
Analysts believe the issue could become a significant talking point in the ongoing political discourse, particularly if further legal proceedings are initiated.
For now, Singhvi's sharp criticism has brought national attention to the dispute, with both political parties and election observers awaiting the Election Commission's next steps.
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