SRINAGAR: Discrepancies in BJP MP Jugal Kishore’s nomination papers prompt the office of the chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir to forward a complaint to the Election Commission of India for appropriate action, Hindustan Times reported.
Following an RTI application alleging discrepancies, variations, false information, and material facts’ concealment, the joint chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir sent RTI activist Sheikh Shakeel’s representation, along with annexures, to BC Patra, secretary at the Election Commission, on April 15.
Shakeel, a J&K high court lawyer, reveals, “After receiving no response to my complaint filed before the returning officer for Jammu Lok Sabha constituency, I filed an RTI before the chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, I received their reply via mail that my letter with annexures has been sent to the Election Commission of India for appropriate action.”
Shakeel hopes that the Election Commission will uphold the rule of law. He filed a complaint before the returning officer of Jammu Lok Sabha constituency, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, on April 4, citing alleged discrepancies, variations, false information, and concealment of material facts in Kishore’s nomination papers. Shakeel requested the returning officer to verify the discrepancy and initiate legal action.
Referring to the affidavit filed by BJP MP Jugal Kishore on March 30, when he filed his nomination papers, Shakeel drew attention to the liabilities/loans column. Kishore stated his liability as ₹20.42 lakh, his spouse’s as ₹29.92 lakh, and his daughter’s as ₹29.78 lakh.
Shakeel also pointed out Kishore’s affidavit filed in the 2019 general elections from the same Jammu Lok Sabha constituency. In the 2019 affidavit, Kishore mentioned a liability of ₹34.53 crore and a liability of ₹47.25 lakh against his wife’s name.
The complaint notes, “Sh Jugal Kishore has not whispered anything regarding his pending liability of ₹34.53 crore reflected in his previous nomination papers dated March 23, 2019. It appears that Sh Jugal Kishore has liquidated his huge liability, which he had earlier mentioned in his previous nomination paper of 2019. He may be directed to disclose and share the information regarding the mode of liquidating his liability.”
Considering the glaring contradiction, false information furnishing, and material facts’ concealment, the complainant sought appropriate action under IPC/RPA and various authoritative pronouncements by the apex court on the subject.
Shakeel asserts his role as a whistle-blower, emphasizing that the returning officer should take action. Pandurang K Pole, the chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir, explains that nominations were filed before the returning officers, and consequently, affidavits are posted on the ECI website as a mandatory practice. He adds, “Any complaint must adhere to the guidelines and provisions of the Election Commission and must be pin-pointed.”
