The acceptance of BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s nomination papers has resolved the controversy stirred by Congress over alleged discrepancies in his election affidavit. Election authorities cleared Chandrasekhar’s candidature after the scrutiny process ended without objections, indicating that the allegations did not merit disqualification. The Congress had accused Chandrasekhar of hiding ownership of a valuable property in Bengaluru, prompting a challenge from Chandrasekhar to provide concrete evidence for legal action.
The BJP leader criticized the Congress for what he deemed as spreading falsehoods for political gain and questioned their integrity. Chandrasekhar also targeted Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty, a key opponent in the Nemom constituency, suggesting that the repeated accusations showcased a lack of political fairness. The Congress had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India, alleging that Chandrasekhar concealed a Bengaluru property worth Rs 200 crore, despite stating in his affidavit that he did not own a house.
Despite the Congress’s efforts, Chandrasekhar’s nomination being accepted has diminished the immediate legal and electoral repercussions. While the controversy might persist as a campaign topic, the BJP’s strengthened position post-clearance has shifted the focus back to core electoral issues in the lead-up to the polls. The Congress highlighted the issue on social media by sharing the tax receipt for the building allegedly owned by the state BJP chief.
