BMC drops only marathi clause, to accept forms in english
After candidates objected to the civic body’s decision to accept nomination forms and affidavits only in Marathi for the February 16 civic polls, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday said it would accept those written in English.
After candidates objected to the civic body’s decision to accept nomination forms and affidavits only in Marathi for the February 16 civic polls, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday said it would accept those written in English.
Ravi Raja, a Congress corporator from ward number 166 (Sion transit camp), said the F-north ward returning officer Prasad Ukarde refused to give him a nomination form in English, which was available during the previous polls. Raja said the election department said it would not accept forms and affidavits in English. "It is not about opposing Marathi, but it is difficult to follow legal instructions in Marathi. We want the BMC to be practical," he said.
Candidates have to submit an affidavit along with their nomination forms about their assets, family income and other details.
Following complaints, officials have decided that English will do. Ukarde said, "We have started accepting affidavits in English, but have not yet received instructions about nomination forms."
SS Shinde, joint municipal commissioner, admitted there was a row over the language. "On candidate demand, a returning officer will make available forms in English or Marathi," he said, adding that English forms would be uploaded on the BMC website. The last date for submitting forms is January 31.
