Staff Reporter :
The battle for West Nagpur Assembly segment is now going to get more fierce as the dark clouds hovering over nomination form of Congress rebel Narendra Jichkar were finally blown over. Now the battle is surely going to be three cornered between official Congress nominee Vikas Thakre and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Sudhakar Kohale and Jichkar.
The Returning Officer for West Nagpur constituency gave his ruling on the validity of Jichkar's nomination form. A voter from Gittikhadan area had filed an objection stating that Jichkar’s form be rejected since he was Director in M/s Anjanikrupa Logistics Pvt. Ltd. and the firm had also obtained Government contracts from time to time. This is violation of Sec. 9A of The Representation of People Act, 1951, alleged Rajesh Gopale, Independent candidate, in fray.
A notice was issued to Jichkar asking for an explanation. Jichkar stated MSEDCL is a public limited company and does not come under purview of State Government as per the prevaling rules.
He also cited Apex Court ruling to justify his stance. Further, Jichkar said, he had already resigned from the position of Director of said company in January 2024 and submitted documents to that effect.
So the challenge on part of people who wanted a straight fight in the constituency failed. Jichkar has already made his intentions clear by trying to take on Vikas Thakre, who is also President of Nagpur City (District) Congress Committee, in West Nagpur Assembly segment that latter represents. Since last two years, he has been engaged in public contact programme. His presence in the field may impact the final outcome.
Adv Virat Mishra appeared for those who had filed objections while Jichkar's case was pleaded by Adv R M Bhangde.