CPM: Flaws in Singhvi papers overlooked

Kolkata, March 21

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The CPM on Wednesday accused Returning Officer Jayanta Koley of “deliberately ignoring” flaws in the nomination papers of Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, seeking a Rajya Sabha berth from West Bengal.

Addressing mediapersons, CPM candidate Rabin Deb claimed the Congress nominee’s papers were not in order.

Pointing out the alleged anomalies, Deb, accompanied by leader of the Left Front in Assembly Sujan Bhattacharya, said while filing his papers from Rajasthan in 2006, Singhvi had given his age as 43. However, in the affidavit filed before the returning officer in West Bengal, Singhvi mentioned his age as 59 years. In either of the two places, Singhvi must have given an incorrect age, Deb said.

Deb added that the document related to Singhvi’s nomination paper was signed by Congress leader CP Joshi. However, Singhvi could not produce any paper to show that Joshi was authorised by the Congress to sign his papers.

Deb said half of Singhvi’s affidavit (Form 26) was handwritten and the rest typed. He said the notary did not sign or put his seal on the handwritten part. Singhvi wrote “NA” in certain columns of the affidavit where he ought to have written “Not Applicable” or “Nil”. — TNS