Congress flags ‘discrepancies’ in BJP-backed Nathwani's RS poll nomination papers; files complaint

The Congress party has raised objections to the nomination papers of Parimal Nathwani, the BJP-backed independent candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls in Jharkhand. The party alleged several discrepancies, including an error in Nathwani's name, and has lodged a formal complaint with the returning officer.

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There were many discrepancies in the nomination papers (of Nathwani), including an error in his name. As a proposer for our candidate Pranav Jha, I lodged a complaint with the returning officer before the scrutiny exercise.

Nathwani, who is the Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh, filed his nomination papers on Monday for one of the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand. However, the returning officer has placed his nomination on hold, giving him until Wednesday morning to address the objections raised.

Congress observer for the Rajya Sabha polls in Jharkhand, Bhupesh Baghel, took to social media to highlight the issue. He questioned whether Nathwani would remain in the fray solely due to BJP support or if the same rules would apply to him as to other candidates, implying that unethical conduct should lead to disqualification.

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Discrepancy has been reported in the nomination paper of Parimal Nathwani, the BJP-supported candidate in the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha election. A hearing is underway on the complaint.

Despite the Congress's complaint, a close aide of Nathwani asserted that the objections raised have been resolved. The scrutiny of nomination papers, which took place on Tuesday, found the candidatures of the JMM and Congress nominees to be valid. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is June 11, with polling scheduled for June 18. The Jharkhand Assembly has a clear majority for the INDIA bloc, while the NDA holds a smaller number of seats.

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It remains to be seen whether this BJP-backed candidate will remain in the fray solely because they have secured the protective shield of the BJP, or if the same rules will apply to them as well, and unethical conduct will face defeat.