Nikhil’s nomination ‘in order’, BJP raises objection

The nomination papers of JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy have been declared as ‘in order’ by the deputy commissioner, who is also the election officer, even as the supporters of his opponent and Independent candidate Sumalatha have decided to complain on the issue before the court.

Deputy Commissioner N Manjushri said the papers of Nikhil have been accepted as the blanks in the nomination papers have been filled with supporting affidavits. “As per the People’s Representation Act, there is provision to file the remaining affidavits during scrutiny and the blanks have been filled. While scrutinising the nomination papers, on Wednesday, it was found that Form No 26 (affidavit), Column 7, 7A and 8 were missing. The new, filled forms and affidavits were presented by 11 am, so it was accepted as ‘in order’. After the papers were accepted, the agents of Sumalatha raised the objections,” she explained.

She said the candidates were provided a checklist to rectify their nomination papers before the scrutiny. “All the process was held before the general observers of the poll. The agents of Sumalatha were asked to represent their complaints in writing. Accordingly, they have lodged a complaint. The observers will report on the issue to the Election Commission. If they have further doubts, they can complain before a court of law,” said Manjushri.

Madan Gowda, the proposer of Sumalatha in the nomination papers, said, “The election officer, the DC in this case, did not allow us to file our objections against the papers of Nikhil. She did not allow us to have a look at the new affidavits also. She has accepted them without showing to us. Her move is suspicious. She is trying to protect Nikhil. We will complain about the issue before the court of law”.