Congress Seeks Cancellation of Chandrasekhar’s Nomination: Claims ₹200 Crore Bungalow Concealed

Kerala Congress unit urges Election Commission to disqualify BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar for alleged discrepancies in his election affidavit, spotlighting an undisclosed 49,000 sq ft property in Bengaluru’s Koramangala worth around ₹200 crore.english.

Thiruvananthapuram, March 23: The Indian National Congress demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) cancel Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s nomination for the Nemom assembly seat. Party leaders alleged he hid ownership of a lavish Bengaluru bungalow in his affidavit filed last week.

Kerala goes to polls on April 9, with nomination deadline today. Chandrasekhar faces CPI(M)'s V Sivankutty and Congress's K S Sabarinadhan in a high-stakes contest.

Breaking Allegations

Congress Kerala unit posted on X, questioning why a billionaire lists no residential property or car. Sources indicated the Koramangala asset, spanning 49,000 sq ft, escaped mention despite its prime location value.

Party spokesperson claimed this violates the Representation of the People Act. They warned ECI inaction could taint poll fairness in five states facing elections.

Affidavit Details

Chandrasekhar declared movable assets over ₹78.81 crore and immovable property at ₹15.07 crore, mainly a self-acquired Bengaluru site. Total assets exceed ₹93 crore, with liabilities above ₹107 crore.

His 2024-25 income stood at ₹92.92 lakh per ITR. No specific bungalow matching Congress claims appears listed, fuelling the row.

Chandrasekhar's Profile

Former Rajya Sabha MP and tech entrepreneur heads Kerala BJP. He filed nomination on March 20, backed by Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma. Affidavit notes two pending cases over 2023 bomb blast remarks, with Kerala HC barring coercive action.

Congress Demand

Leaders invoked Section 125A for false affidavits, seeking immediate disqualification. "Billionaire shows zero homes? Voters deserve truth," a post read. They cited past ECI probes into similar mismatches.

Election Timeline

Nominations close today in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry. Scrutiny follows tomorrow, withdrawals by March 26. Single-phase voting hits April 9, results May 4.

ECI's Role

Officials yet to comment publicly. Past complaints against Chandrasekhar, like 2024 Lok Sabha income gaps, prompted IT department checks. Sources say returning officer will review post-deadline.timesofindia.

Voter Impact

Allegations stir debate on transparency amid multi-state polls. Congress eyes leverage in Kerala’s triangular fight, while BJP dismisses as smears. Public watches for ECI move on poll eve.english.