MAPUSA: The Returning Officer for Mapusa by-polls, Kabir Shirgaonkar rejected the objection raised on Congress candidate Sudhir Kandolkar’s nomination and accepted his form on Friday.
Kandolkar’s nomination was kept on hold after NCP candidate Sanjay Barde raised an oral objection on the affidavit submitted by the Congress candidate. The nomination was later accepted as Barde failed to contest his objection raised.
The Returning Officer said that a notice was issued to Barde to file a written objection before 1pm. However, an attempt made to contact Barde on the phone was futile. “We tried to call him on his mobile number but it was switched off. Since the objector failed to remain present we have passed an order that the Congress candidate’s nomination has been accepted,” Shirgaonkar said.
He clarified that the objection raised by Barde was not substantial in nature as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India. It clearly states that alleged defect or false information in form 26 affidavit is not a ground for rejection of nomination paper filed by candidates.
