The nomination of an Independent candidate, backed by Yogendra Yadav-led Swaraj Abhiyan, for the Khadoor Sahib by-poll was rejected during scrutiny today on the grounds that he was not a registered voter in Punjab.
Sub Divisional Magistrate-cum-Returning officer Ravinder Singh said Baldeep Singh had left the relevant column in this regard blank in his nomination form.
Baldeep is not a registered voter in any constituency in Punjab which is mandatory for a candidate contesting Assembly election, he added.
While the Swaraj Abhiyan said it will approach the Election Commission in this regard Punjab Congress condemned it as an "arbitrary rejection".
Baldeep, currently a registered voter in 41-Jangpura of Delhi, alleged his nomination was rejected at the instance of ruling Akali Dal "because my victory was almost certain".
With Congress "boycotting" the bye-polls and AAP not contesting, today's development virtually leaves the ground open for the SAD candidate, Ravinder Singh Brahmpura.
After rejection of Baldeep's nomination, Yogendra Yadav tweeted, "Shocked that @bhaibaldeep nomination rejected on technical ground. Hope ELection Commission will intervene and save democratic process (sic)."
Swaraj Abhiyan suspected the ruling party's pressure might have worked. "Baldeep was emerging as principal contender against the ruling Akali candidate. This gives rise to a suspicion that ruling party's pressure may be at work here.
"Swaraj Abhiyan appeals to the Election Commission to intervene and ensure that the democratic spirit is not thwarted and Bhai Baldeep gets his due chance to contest elections," Abhiyan said.
Baldeep had unsuccessfully contested the parliamentary elections from Khadoor Sahib on AAP ticket in 2014.
