BJP nominee will become MLA if he wins: CEO

Despite having backed off from the contest, L Chandrashekhar will be elected as BJP legislator if he garners the highest number of votes, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjiv Kumar said.

“He may have withdrawn from the contest, but there is no provision now for us to take his name off of the EVMs. As per prevailing election rules, Chandrashekhar will become a BJP legislator if he wins,” he said.

Chandrashekhar’s withdrawal from the fray has come too late, Kumar said. “His letter seeking withdrawal of his nomination will be not accepted because the last date for withdrawal is over. So, the ballot unit will have him as the BJP candidate.”

Chandrashekhar’s plea seeking withdrawal of nomination and the BJP’s complaint have been sent to the Election Commission of India. “This is a rare case and the rules do not explain what needs to be done in such a circumstance,” Kumar said.