Nominations of 2 candidates facing criminal cases rejected

The nomination forms of two independent candidates, who had filed papers for Rohtak Municipal Corporation election, have been rejected by the authorities concerned during the scrutiny on the ground that they were facing criminal cases. One of these had submitted his nomination form to contest for the post of municipal councillor from ward No. 20.

As per official sources, his nomination form has been rejected as his name was not found in the electoral roll of his ward. “Moreover, charges have been framed against him in a court under Section 302 of the IPC, the imprisonment for which is not less than 10 years,” said sources.

The second candidate whose nomination form has been rejected is from ward No. 5. He had been convicted under Sections 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. “As per provisions in the Representation of People Act, 1951, and Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, a person convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, shall be disqualified from contesting elections,” the sources maintained.

However, at least 12 other candidates who have filed their nomination papers for the post of municipal councillor have also admitted their involvement in various offences, as per the affidavits submitted by them.

These candidates include nominees of the BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

On being contacted for her comments in this regard, the election officer for Rohtak Municipal Corporation election, Major (retd) Gayatri Ahlawat, maintained that the nomination forms of the two aforesaid candidates had been rejected after a thorough scrutiny conducted in consultation with the legal officials.

“Still, if any candidate is found to have concealed some information or provided wrong information regarding his/her involvement in any offence, appropriate action would be taken as per the law,” she asserted.

The election officer said any resident can provide information about the involvement of any candidate in any offence to the officials concerned, adding that legal action would be ensured in this regard.

Meanwhile, a single-window system has been set up in the taxation branch located on the ground floor of the local municipal corporation to facilitate the candidates for the posts of mayor and municipal councillors in obtaining different permissions.

Divisional Employment Officer Sonal Goel has been appointed the nodal officer for the single-window system.