Opposition moves SEC over new NOC norm for contesting civic elections

The introduction of a ‘new clause’ to become eligible for filing nomination papers for the civic body poll, scheduled for December 21, has sparked off a major controversy.

According to the new clause, each candidate has to seek clearance from the building branch of their respective civic body to see whether the building plan of his/her residence was sanctioned or not.

However, State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri said they had not sought no-objection certificate (NOC) for filing nomination papers. “During scrutiny of papers, if the Returning Officer receives any complaint against the nominee, he can accept or reject the nomination,” he said.

The Opposition parties claimed that it was a method to reject nomination papers of their candidates.

Jalandhar Cantt Congress MLA Pargat Singh, who has taken up the matter with the SEC, said, “The Returning Officers are not only seeking unnecessary NOCs, they are also delaying the voter list to harass the candidates.”

Earlier, NOC on property tax, sewerage cess and encroachment was asked during the civic elections.

“In many cases, the house is in the name of parents of the candidate or they do not have any record with them. This clause has been incorporated for the first time to harass and reject nomination of opposition candidates,” said AICC general secretary and Punjab affairs co- incharge Alok Sharma, who concluded his tour on Tuesday.

With just two days left for the filing of nomination papers, the candidates are running from pillar to post to get the documents.

Sanjay Talwar, a former Congress MLA from Ludhiana, said, “We are keeping a watch on AAP candidates to ensure that the new clause is not used to their convenience.”

Rajinder Berry, a former Congress MLA from Jalandhar, said, “Earlier, the government asked for an NOC on property tax and sewer cess. Now, they have demanded the NOC from the building branch. In some cases, NOC from the PSPCL is also being sought.”