Lok Sabha Election 2024: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that "wrong" information has been furnished by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) Ghatal Lok Sabha candidate Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya (also known simply as Hiran or Hiran Chatterjee) about his educational qualification in his poll affidavit. The AAP has sought the cancellation of the actor-turned-politician's nomination.
AAP's Charge Against Hiran Chatterjee
“We have observed a discrepancy in the election affidavit declaration of Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya regarding his educational qualification/accomplishment. He has claimed to be a research fellow at IIT Kharagpur since May 2023. However, a recent RTI reply from IIT Kharagpur has revealed that he is neither a research associate, nor scientist, nor staff, nor in any other category, as per the institute rules and regulations," news agency PTI quoted AAP's letter to the EC as saying.
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It is clear that Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya has provided "falsified personal information in his election affidavit which is a violation of rules and regulations in respect of the Representation of the People Act", the party said in its letter.
Hiran Chatterjee Dismisses AAP's Claim
Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya dismissed the allegation levelled by AAP, claiming that it was a "conspiracy" orchestrated by West Bengal's ruling TMC. The Ghatal Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal is presently represented by actor and TMC MP Deepak Adhikari, who is popularly known by his stage name 'Dev'.
Chattopadhya also said that he may initiate legal action against those, who he say tried to defame him. "We are looking into the complaint and necessary steps will be taken as per their findings," an official of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO's) office stated.
(With inputs from agencies)