Union Minister Puri files nomination papers for Rajya Sabha bypoll in MP
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha by-election in Madhya Pradesh, filling the seat vacated by L. Murugan. The nomination comes amidst ongoing political controversy, as the opposition Congress party continues to demand his resignation over allegations linking him to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Why it matters
The by-election is a critical political maneuver for the BJP to maintain its legislative strength in the Upper House, while the Epstein-related allegations against a senior cabinet minister present a significant reputational challenge for the ruling party.
Bhopal Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the BJP's nominee for the November 12 Rajya Sabha by-election in Madhya Pradesh, filed his nomination papers on Saturday (October 31, 2026) in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal. Mohan Yadav | Surprise choice storyline 1 Mr. Puri (74) reached the State Assembly building shortly after 11 a.m.. The filing of nominations for the bypoll began on Monday. Union Minister Hardeep Puri to return to Rajya Sabha Union Minister Hardeep Puri to return to Rajya Sabha His term as Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh was set to be over on November 25, with the bypoll for the vacated seat from Madhya Pradesh owing to L. Murugan’s resignation, scheduled for November 12 Union Minister Hardeep Puri to return to Rajya Sabha storyline 1 The BJP has fielded Mr. Puri from the seat vacated by L.
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