LC polls: 13 papers valid in Nagpur Division Graduates constituency

Nagpur, Jun 29 (UNI) The nomination papers of 13 candidates, including those of sitting member Nitin Gadkari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were found valid for next month's election to Maharashtra Legislative Council from Nagpur Division Graduates constituency during scrutiny, official sources said today.

The nomination papers of only one Independent candidate Siddharth Asaram Kurvey, were found invalid during scrutiny yesterday, the sources said.

The 13 candidates whose papers were found valid include Dr Baban Taywade, an Independent supported by the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), they added.

The papers of Pradeep Padole, fielded by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), were also found valid, the sources said.

Mr Padole's entry into the fray is significant since it marks the first time that the BSP is contesting an election to the Upper House in Maharashtra.

The other candidates whose forms were found in order were- Abdul Karim Patel, Fanindra Babulal Raghatate, Dinkar Vithal Bedekar, Bhaiyyalal Hanluji Timbude, Manoj Sitaram Paul, Milind Rambhau Thombre, Yogesh Anandrao Sawane, Ravindra Gulab Nagose, Kalyandas Pandurang Raut and Suresh Uddhav Shinde- according to the sources.

The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is tomorrow afternoon.

Elections are slated to be held on July 19 from Nagpur Division Graduates constituency along with Amravati and Pune Division Teachers constituencies, and Aurangabad and Pune Division Graduates constituencies of the Upper House on July 15. The seats fall vacant on July 19.

Mr Gadkari, the sitting member from Nagpur Division Graduates constituency, is also the Chief of the BJP's State Unit.

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