Cong changes Moga MC candidate after date of scrutiny of papers
Our original candidate and his covering candidate were not able to contest. Atma was contesting as an Independent. We gave him the party ticket on Friday. There is no violation, as he was yet to receive an election symbol.
HARJOT KAMAL, Moga Congress MLA
MOGA: In a move that raises eyebrows, the returning officer for elections to the municipal corporation has allowed the Congress to change its candidate for ward 18, after the date of scrutiny of nomination papers (February 4) had passed.
The ruling party declared its new candidate for ward 18, Atma Singh, 50, on February 5, after its original candidate, Pawittar Singh Dhillon, withdrew his nomination.
Moga Congress MLA Harjot Kamal said, “Our original candidate and his covering candidate were not able to contest. Atma was contesting as an Independent. We gave him the party ticket on Friday. There is no violation, as he was yet to receive an election symbol. A candidate can change his nomination papers before the allotment of the symbol.”
Atma, however, claimed, “I never filed my nomination as an Independent and I have always been a Congress candidate.”
When questioned on why was the change in candidate allowed after the last date for scrutiny of nominations, returning officer Harjinder Dhillon said, “Atma Singh had got the ticket of the Congress on time.”
Deputy commissioner-cumdistrict election officer, said, “The returning officer is responsible for this and his actions can be challenged in court, if he has done something wrong. I cannot do anything.”
Rajiv Lohatbaddi, a Patialabased advocate, said, “Change in nomination after the last date of filing is a violation of the Punjab Municipal Election Rules, and The Representation of The People Act. If the candidate has filed his nomination as an Independent, then he cannot contest from any party.”
Parampal Singh, the original covering candidate, said, “I had ‘hand’ and Atma Singh had ‘tractor’ the as election symbol till 3pm on February 5, which was the deadline for the withdrawal of nomination. On February 6, I found that the administration had allotted me ‘truck’ and ‘hand’ to Atma. Such internal politics will hurt the party’s performance.”