NMC accepts error in nomination as ineligible aspirants enter fray

 

 

 

With reports pointing to error on the part of election machinery in accepting nomination papers of candidates with either three or four children, the only option now left is to approach the courts. Stating this, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari said, a possible explanation for this oversight on part of Returning Officers (ROs) could be very less time that was available for scrutiny to the administration. RO’s decision is final, even as he mentioned that an explanation is called from them. Dr Chaudhari was addressing mediapersons on eve of civic elections at NMC headquarters on Monday. As per rules, any aspirant wishing to contest the local body poll is limited by clause that none of them should be having more than two children.

 

However, for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, it has now been reported that at some Prabhags, the machinery erred in accepting nomination of ineligible persons. Dr Chaudhari said, they had gone through the newspaper reports about the same and have sought clarification from the ROs. The machinery was busy with the final leg of election-related work and he added that even as Municipal Commissioner, he cannot overturn the nominations of ineligible persons, if any remains in the fray.

 

The only recourse is to file regular suit in the court that can then rule on the issue, he added while responding to a query. He said, since the nomination continued till late in the night and thereafter, for scrutiny, very less time was available. The careful check of the aspirants’ documents might have not been done. So, in the rush, the civic body machinery might have overlooked the aspect relating to number of children. Asked about no home voting facility, the Municipal Commissioner said, only the State Election Commission (SEC) can shed light on the reason behind it. But leaving that, the civic body had made elaborate arrangements for the senior citizens, Divyangs and pregnant ladies at voting centres. There are about 3,004 located in 964 buildings. Giving details, the Municipal Commissioner said, these persons would not be needed to stand in queue and can cast their votes on priority.

 

At each of the centres, two NSS volunteers would be on duty to provide assistance to needy persons. Elaborate arrangements would be in place on voting day with about 504 buses of NMC to be utilised for election duty. But that would not leave commuters high and dry as about 250 buses, long range electric ones and diesel buses, would ply on city roads on regular routes.