The nomination papers of Sukhwinder Singh Bila, husband of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Jagraon, Saravjit Kaur Manuke, were rejected during the scrutiny process for the upcoming Jagraon Municipal Council elections. The rejection occurred on Sunday after Mr. Bila filed his nomination from a ward specifically reserved for women candidates.
Nomination Rejected on Reservation Grounds
The development generated significant political discussion at the Jagraon Tehsil Complex amidst the scrutiny proceedings. Election officials confirmed that Sukhwinder Singh Bila had submitted his nomination for Ward No. 1, a ward designated exclusively for female candidates. Returning Officer Ravi Kumar stated that the nomination was deemed invalid because a male candidate had filed papers from a women-reserved ward. He noted his absence during the initial submission but affirmed the rejection was in strict accordance with election rules and reservation criteria.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mr. Bila’s candidacy had attracted attention due to his perceived political influence in the Jagraon area, stemming from his close ties with the ruling AAP leadership. Supporters and party workers were present at the tehsil complex throughout the scrutiny period. Sources indicated that the matter sparked conversations within political circles, particularly given the anticipation of a high-profile contest in the ward.
Other Independent Nominations Also Rejected
Beyond Mr. Bila’s case, the scrutiny process also led to the rejection of nomination papers for three independent candidates. Pradeep Singh, who had filed from Ward No. 9, faced rejection after it was determined his age was below the legally mandated 21 years. Sukhmander Singh, an independent candidate from Ward No. 11, was disqualified due to the absence of a required Backward Classes (BC) certificate. Additionally, Manmohan Kaur’s nomination papers for Ward No. 22 were rejected due to incomplete documentation.
The Jagraon Municipal Council elections are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, with the nomination and scrutiny phases now concluded. The rejection of Mr. Bila’s nomination is expected to have implications for the electoral landscape in Jagraon, particularly within the Aam Aadmi Party and the specific ward from which he attempted to contest. Election officials have emphasized that all decisions were made impartially and in strict adherence to the established electoral laws and guidelines concerning reserved constituencies.
The Chenab Times News Desk