Political Tensions Rise in Jharkhand as Congress Protests Against Nathwani’s Nomination

PNS

Ranchi

Political tensions escalated outside the Jharkhand Assembly on Wednesday as Congress leaders, including ministers and MLAs, staged a protest demanding the cancellation of the nomination of BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani.

The protest comes in the wake of objections raised during the scrutiny of nomination papers, where discrepancies were reportedly found in Nathwani’s documents. A key issue flagged was inconsistency in his name, with some official and election documents listing it as “Parimal Nathwani,” while others recorded it as “Nathwani Parimal.”

Apart from the naming discrepancy, concerns were also raised over incomplete details related to his undivided family status and alleged deficiencies in the disclosure of criminal records. Taking note of these objections, the Returning Officer has put Nathwani’s nomination on hold and sought clarification.

He has been given time until 11 a.m. on June 10 to respond, after which a final decision on the validity of his nomination will be taken.

Addressing the protest, Congress leaders said that violations of electoral rules would not be tolerated. “Our agitation will continue until the discrepancy is resolved or the nomination is cancelled,” party leaders asserted.

Meanwhile, the nomination papers of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baidyanath Ram and Congress candidate Pranav Jha have been declared valid.

The developments have added to the political heat surrounding the Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand, scheduled for June 18. While the ruling alliance is believed to have a numerical advantage, Nathwani’s entry had earlier turned the contest into a triangular one.

All eyes are now on the Returning Officer’s decision following the hearing, which is expected to determine the course of the election.