Kolkata, Apr 10 (PTI) The Election Commission has rejected the nomination of Trinamool Congress candidate Abhinav Bhattacharya from West Bengal’s Krishnanagar Uttar constituency, citing legal provisions under the Representation of the People Act, a senior official said on Friday.
The Returning Officer cancelled Bhattacharya’s nomination under Section 9A of the Act, which disqualifies a candidate if the nominee has an existing business interest or contractual engagement with the government.
The official said it came to light that Bhattacharya was engaged with state government-related contractual work at the time of filing his nomination papers.
“As per the law, individuals directly involved in government contracts or supply arrangements are barred from contesting elections due to conflict of interest,” he said.
Bhattacharya termed the development as “unfortunate”, but asserted that he would abide by the party’s decision.
A senior TMC leader said the party was mulling fielding another candidate from the seat.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier formally introduced Bhattacharya as the party’s candidate at a public rally in Shantipur.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases – on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4. PTI SUS RBT
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