Samajwadi Party’s new Varanasi candidate Tej Bahadur on Wednesday, 1 May, filed his response after the Election Commission issued him a notice over a discrepancy in his affidavits.
Speaking to ANI after filing his response, Bahadur alleged that there is political pressure behind the move adding that “Modi is scared of losing and that’s why all this is happening”.
Earlier on Tuesday, 30 April, the EC in a notice had sought for Yadav's response after "incorrect" information was noticed in his nomination papers filed as an independent candidate and as an SP nominee.
The EC claimed that the information related to his dismissal from the Indian Army in the two affidavits do not match.
The notice also said that if Yadav does not submit his response by 1 May, his nomination might get cancelled.
There’s Political Pressure
Speaking to The Quint, Yadav alleged there is political pressure behind this as no objections were raised at the time of verification of his documents.
Yadav who will contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress' Ajai Rai for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat on 19 May, indicated that the Opposition is scared by his nomination.
“PM Modi is facing threat from the real chowkidar, therefore, he is scared. This is why questions are being raised on my nomination.“Tej Bahadur Yadav
Yadav replaced the grand alliance backed (SP-BSP-RLD) Shalini Yadav for the Varanasi parliamentary seat.
The former BSF jawan is a resident of Rewari in Haryana and was dismissed from service in 2017 after he complained about the poor quality of food served to the armed forces and corruption within the army.
Announcing his entry into politics, Bahadur had told The Quint that he thought of joining politics to bring an end to the “corruption in the Indian army.”
“PM Modi had first begun the politicisation of the armed forces. It never used to happen before. I have chosen Varanasi so that I can question him on his own turf as to why he has politicised the armed forces. What has he done for the army?”Tej Bahadur Yadav
Soldiers, Farmers and Unemployment Issue of Election
Speaking on his latest tie-up with Akhilesh Yadav-led SP, Yadav on Tuesday said that he will try to live up to the faith that the party has shown in him.
He added that the issues for contesting the election are soldiers, farmers and unemployment.
“AAP has also extended their support to us. Next, whatever party directs, I’ll do. My appeal to the people is that it is time to recognise who is a real chowkidar and fake chowkidar.”Tej Bahadur Yadav
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