Poll Authorities Clear Nomination Papers Of V.D. Satheesan And Rajeev Chandrasekhar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan and state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s nomination papers, which were put on hold pending further scrutiny following objections from their rivals, were approved by poll authorities on Tuesday.
The returning officer dismissed LDF’s complaints against Satheesan, who alleged that he had under-reported his income and concealed information, saying his explanation was satisfactory.
Just before the review, LDF candidate Tyson Master filed a complaint highlighting three points: Satheesan’s income as a lawyer was not properly recorded, details of traffic fines and debts on his official vehicle were missing, and the full market value of his gold holdings was not disclosed.
The UDF rejected the allegations as frivolous and politically motivated. During the examination at 15:00, Satheesan’s lawyers presented the correct documents and necessary explanations.
BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s nomination papers for Nemom assembly constituency have been approved after scrutiny.
The Congress complaint alleging that he did not disclose details of a house in Bengaluru was rejected by the returning officer.
The complaint filed by UDF candidate KS Sabarinadhan and the Congress party alleged that Chandrasekhar neglected a Koramangala property reportedly worth Rs 200 crore.
They had also submitted property tax receipts as evidence, claiming that the asset was excluded from the nomination papers.
During the hearing, the BJP’s lawyer argued that the returning officer had no authority to resolve disputes over asset declarations and that any complaints should be taken to court after the election.
The nomination was accepted based on the argument of the BJP candidate. BJP leaders insisted there was no error in Form 26 and said concerns over disclosure of assets should be legally resolved in court.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar claimed that the allegations from the Congress and CPM reflected their fears over the increasing momentum of the BJP in the constituency.
