Ganesan, who is BJP's official candidate, filed his nomination papers with MP Assembly Returning Officer A P Singh, who happens to be Principal Secretary of the Assembly, an official said.
The seat fell vacant following the resignation of former Union Minister Najma Heptullah on August 20 after she was appointed as the Governor of Manipur.
As the tenure of Upper House membership ends on April 2, 2018, the by-poll was necessitated.
BJP President Amit Shah had earlier announced the name of Ganesan, former state president of Tamil Nadu and national executive member, as party's candidate for the by-election to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh.
The process for filing nominations will end on October 3. The scrutiny of nominations will be done on October 4 and last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 6.
If necessary, polling will be held on October 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM and soon after counting of votes will take place, said the official.