Election Commission Cancels RJD Candidate's Nomination in Bihar: Residency Requirements for Reserved Seats Questioned

Shweta Suman has alleged that the BJP candidate submitted her caste certificate after filing the nomination.

Patna:

The Election Commission on Wednesday delivered a significant blow to the opposition Mahagathbandhan in the Bihar polls by cancelling RJD candidate Shweta Suman's nomination for the Mohania assembly seat. Officials confirmed that the decision was made after discovering she was originally from Uttar Pradesh.

Mohania, located in Kaimur district, is designated as a Scheduled Castes reserved seat. According to electoral regulations, individuals from other states cannot contest elections in reserved constituencies, though this restriction does not apply to general seats.

Suman has contested the decision, claiming her nomination was revoked due to "pressure" from high-ranking BJP officials.

"My nomination was cancelled to ensure BJP candidate Sangita Kumar's victory in Mohania. They rejected my papers claiming I'm from UP and therefore ineligible to contest from a reserved seat. I've been a resident here for two decades," she asserted.

She further alleged, "This demonstrates clear bias from polling officials who are acting under the direction of BJP leadership."

Suman also pointed out what she perceives as inconsistent treatment, claiming that the BJP candidate submitted her caste certificate after filing nomination papers, yet those documents were accepted without issue.

"I will definitely challenge this partial treatment by polling officials in court," she stated.