In a significant development in the run-up to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the returning officer has intervened in a complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate and former mayor Kishori Pednekar. The officer has formally asked Somaiya to provide a sworn affidavit to substantiate his allegations for any further action to be taken.
The Core of the Allegation
Kirit Somaiya, in his initial complaint to the election authorities, had accused Kishori Pednekar of furnishing false information in her election affidavit. Somaiya's complaint hinges on two primary legal issues. He pointed to a First Information Report (FIR) registered in connection with the alleged Covid-19 body bag scam, where Pednekar has been named. Additionally, he cited an alleged Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scam as grounds for his objection to the information presented in her affidavit.
Official Scrutiny and Next Steps
The returning officer's directive for a sworn affidavit from Somaiya marks a procedural escalation. This step is crucial as it legally binds the complainant to the truth of his statements, making him liable for consequences if the claims are found to be false or misleading. The move indicates that the officer is treating the complaint with seriousness and is following due process before deciding on any potential action against the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate.
Political Repercussions in Mumbai
This development injects a fresh controversy into the high-stakes BMC electoral battle. The allegation concerning the Covid-19 body bag scam FIR directly touches on Pednekar's tenure during the pandemic, a period of intense public scrutiny. For Somaiya and the BJP, this complaint is a strategic move to question the integrity of a key rival candidate. The demand for an affidavit now puts the ball back in Somaiya's court to formally and legally back his claims, setting the stage for a potentially protracted legal and political tussle in the middle of the election season.
The outcome of this affidavit submission and the returning officer's subsequent decision could have immediate implications for Pednekar's candidature and influence voter perception in her constituency. All eyes are now on Somaiya's next move and the election authority's final ruling in this matter.
