Bihar: RJD Backs Ravi Paswan After Suman’s Nomination Rejected

GG News Bureau
Patna, 23rd Oct: In a major setback for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) amid seat-sharing tensions in the opposition alliance, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday rejected the nomination of RJD candidate Shweta Suman for the Mohania Assembly seat in Bihar’s Kaimur district.

The rejection was based on incorrect information in her nomination form. Mohania is a reserved constituency requiring candidates to belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) of Bihar. Shweta Suman had listed her native place as Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, claiming SC status. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had challenged her nomination, arguing that SC status in Uttar Pradesh does not entitle a candidate to contest from a reserved Bihar seat unless officially recognized by Bihar and the candidate is a permanent resident of the state. The ECI upheld the complaint, leading to the annulment of her nomination.

Visibly upset by the decision, Shweta Suman alleged political bias, claiming the rejection was influenced by the BJP, and vowed to challenge it in court.

Reacting swiftly, RJD announced its support for independent candidate Ravi Paswan, son of senior leader Chedi Paswan, who enjoys strong influence in Mohania. This move is seen as an immediate damage-control measure by the party ahead of the upcoming elections.