Imphal, September 23: The nomination papers of all the six candidates were okayed during scrutiny today, though protests were raised over the papers of SPF candidate S Budhichandra by the Opposition nominee K Ranbir of the MPP and his workers.

The scrutiny was held for the Konthoujam by election scheduled to be held on October 13.Objections were raised by K Ranbir and his supporters over the validity of Form A submitted by the SPF candidate S Budhichandra.

The objections were raised on the ground that the authorization letter of the candidate did not carry the seal of the signatory as well as on the ground that the signatory of the authorization letter is not authorized to sign the form.

The nomination papers of the six candidates were passed after minute scrutiny by the Returning Officer at the Court room of the Imphal West DC today.

The candidates in the fray are SPF's Dr S Budhichandra of the Congress, Opposition's common choice K Ranbir of the MPP, Angom Manihar of the MSCP, H Thoithoi of the NCP, and two independent candidates, S Nabakumar and S Ibobi.

The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is September 25 (3 pm).

The election symbols of the independent candidates will be issued at 3.05 pm of September 25, said information from the Returning Officer.

Even as the scrutiny of the nomination papers was underway, common candidate of the Opposition K Ranbir and MPP MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang and supporters raised objections against the nomination papers of the SPF candidate S Budhichandra.

Raising the objections against the nomination papers of Budhichandra, Dr Luwang said that the signatory of the authorization letter on Form A ought to be either the president or the secretary of the party.

Moreover the signature should also come along with the seal indicating the designation of the signatory, he contended.

The authorization letter of Budhichandra was signed by the permanent member and CWC in-charge of Manipur, Ramesh Chinithala.

Countering the charges of Dr Luwang, Dr Budhichandra, vice president of the MPCC (I) ad general secretary said that Ramesh Chinithala is not only in charge of Manipur but is also a member of the CWC.

Moreover, Chinithala is also a general secretary of the AICC, they said and submitted relevant papers to the RO.

After listening to either side, the Returning Officer over ruled the objections raised by Dr Luwang and okayed the nomination papers of Dr S Budhichandra.

Later speaking to newsmen, Dr Luwang accused the Returning Officer of siding with the Congress candidate.

The Imphal West DC dictated terms to the RO to rule in favour of the Congress candidate, charged Dr Luwang.

The matter will not be taken lightly, he said and added that it will be discussed by the All Political Parties Forum at the opportune moment.

The DC of Imphal West Y Surchandra strongly denied the charges of Dr Luwang and said that in his capacity as the Election Officer he had merely given some suggestions to solve the problem at hand without taking any sides.

The DC further said that the RO ruled fairly.

Comment