Four nomination papers rejected

FOUR SETS of nomination papers for the Kauriram assembly by-election were rejected after scrutiny. However, the number of candidates in the fray will remain the same. All the four papers which were cancelled were the second set of papers filed by the candidates as a precaution.

FOUR SETS of nomination papers for the Kauriram assembly by-election were rejected after scrutiny.

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However, the number of candidates in the fray will remain the same. All the four papers which were cancelled were the second set of papers filed by the candidates as a precaution.

A clear picture will emerge on March 11, the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers.

In a dramatic turn of events, BJP candidate Shital Pandey filed his nomination papers on the last day. The party has given him the authority letter. The party symbol will be allotted to him. Pandey is the spokesperson of BJP MP Yogi Adityanath. Adityanath was said to have used his influence to ensure the ticket for Shital Pandey.

BJP divisional president Lallan Tripathi and State secretary Dr Ramapati Ram Tripathi had declared former party district president Upendra Dutt Shukla as the party candidate. He had has filed his nomination papers on March 6. On the last date for filing of nomination papers, Shukla filed another set of nomination papers as an Independent candidate.

Lobbying has started to convince Shukla to withdraw his nomination papers.

He has convened a meeting of his followers on Friday to decide the future course of action. Hindu Yuva Vahini candidate Dhiraj Singh Harish also filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Adityanath may have to pressure Harish for withdrawal of his nomination papers.