Amid intense political tensions surrounding the Rajya Sabha polls in Jharkhand, the nomination papers of BJP-supported Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani were deemed valid. The objections raised by the Congress against Nathwani’s nomination were dismissed by the Returning Officer, Ranjit Kumar. Nathwani’s nomination was accepted under Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
A detailed hearing on the objections to Nathwani’s nomination took place at the Jharkhand Assembly complex, lasting about two hours. Both sides, represented by their respective lawyers, presented arguments before the Returning Officer. Despite the charged political atmosphere, Nathwani’s nomination was ultimately accepted after the objections were rejected.
The proceedings witnessed protests from Congress and BJP supporters both inside and outside the Assembly premises. Congress leaders alleged bias on the part of the Returning Officer, accusing him of yielding to pressure from the BJP. The presence of senior advocate Salman Khurshid, representing Congress, was contested, with Congress leaders claiming he was obstructed from entering the hearing room.
