EC rejects objections on Mulayam's nomination

Lucknow, Mar 21 (UNI) The Election Commission (EC) today rejected the objections raised by a Congress candidate over the nomination papers filed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav from the Bharthana assembly seat in Etawah district.

The EC through its central observers and Returning Officer (RO) informed the Congress candidate Ajay Yadav that his objections have been rejected on relevant grounds.

The Congress candidate had raised objections, claiming that the CM had ''misrepresented'' facts about his property in the nomination papers filed from Bharthana.

The RO had consulted the EC over the objection and stopped the scrutiny process of Mr Yadav's nomination papers till 1500 hrs.

Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav is contesting the UP assembly elections from Bharthana (Etawah) and Gunnaur (Badaun).

Mr Ajay Yadav had alleged that in the 2004 Lok Sabha election, the CM had estimated his total assests at Rs 1.21 crore in the affidavit filed before the EC. He had contested the election from the Mainpuri seat.

Talking to UNI over telephone, Ajay Yadav, son of former SP leader Balram Singh Yadav, said the SP chief had estimated his assets at Rs 5 crore in the current affidavit. ''But, in his affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, his assets have been estimated at Rs 30 crore,'' he added.

Recently, the apex court had directed the CBI to carry out a preliminary inquiry into the assets of the CM and his kin following a PIL filed by a Congress worker.

UNI