A person, who had filed his nomination papers as a candidate in Kadekar Gram Panchayat, has withdrawn it, charging the election officers with “partiality” and “violation of rules”. But the district administration has denied the charges.
Addressing presspersons here on Monday, Rikesh R. Palan, who has withdrawn his nomination papers, said that he had gone to file nomination papers on May 18 and another candidate Jatin too had filed his nomination papers.
Later, he (Mr. Palan) objected to Mr. Jatin filing his nomination papers before the Returning Officer at the Gram Panchayat (GP) on the grounds that Mr. Jatin was involved in handling solid waste disposal work through his transport service. The rules clearly stated that a person either directly or indirectly involved in the works of the GP could not contest.
The Returning Officer then rejected Mr. Jatin’s papers. But later he accepted it. This process was again repeated once more due to his (Mr. Palan’s) objections.
It finally ended with acceptance of Mr. Jatin’s nomination papers.
“The officials have bowed down to pressure from politicians of the Congress. Hence, in protest I have withdrawn my nomination papers and filed a complaint with the State Election Commission,” Mr. Palan said.
DC’s reaction
Meanwhile, R. Vishal, Deputy Commissioner, told The Hindu that the charges made were without any basis. The Returning Officer has the last word on acceptance or rejection of nomination papers.
“If there is a complaint regarding nomination papers, the Returning Officer has to look into it and pass a speaking order as per the law. If the Returning Officer made a mistake, he is liable for his actions before the State Election Commission,” he said.
Mr. Palan has filed a complaint with the State Election Commission
‘Returning Officer has the last word on acceptance or rejection of nomination papers’
