[Breaking] West Bengal Election 2024, Manikatala BJP Candidate, Cal HC Allows Withdrawal Of Election Petition

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The Calcutta High Court allowed the withdrawal of the election petition filed by Kalyan Chaub, the BJP candidate from Manikatala constituency. Justice Joy Sengupta permitted the petitioner to withdraw the case, although the possibility of holding the Manikatala by-election alongside the current elections remains uncertain due to time constraints.

[West Bengal Election 2024] Manikatala BJP Candidate, Cal HC Allows Withdrawal of Election Petition

KOLKATA: Today (9th April): The Calcutta High Court granted permission to withdraw the election petition filed by Kalyan Chaub, the BJP candidate from Manikatala constituency. The bench led by Justice Joy Sengupta, who allowed the petitioner to withdraw the case.

Last month, a case was filed in the Supreme Court, alleging that the High Court proceedings were repeatedly delayed due to Kalyan’s reluctance. The Supreme Court strongly criticized Kalyan and questioned his continuation as the president of the All India Football Federation, citing his preoccupation with the case. A condolence notice was issued to the BJP candidate from Manikatala.

However, due to time constraints, it remains uncertain whether the Manikatala by-election will be conducted alongside the current elections. These events follow a rebuke from the Supreme Court, which criticized Kalyan for causing delays and questioned his suitability as the president of the All India Football Federation.

Following the Supreme Court’s reproach, Kalyan announced his decision to withdraw the case in the High Court on April 29. Justice Sengupta duly considered the application and granted permission for the withdrawal on Thursday.

In the 2021 elections, the Trinamool Congress emerged victorious in 215 assembly constituencies, including Nilbari. Sadhan Pandey, the Trinamool candidate (now deceased), also secured the Manikatala assembly seat, defeating Kalyan. Challenging the election results, Kalyan filed an election petition in the High Court, alleging interference by his opponent.

Kalyan’s petition in the High Court contended that the Trinamool candidate, who served as the Consumer Protection Minister at the time, had allegedly engaged in vote-buying practices. It was claimed that the candidate used self-help groups to distribute Rs 500 to assembly voters. Additionally, Kalyan accused the Trinamool, which held power in the Calcutta Municipal Corporation, of resorting to threats of discontinuing water and electricity supply. Thus, the case has been ongoing in the High Court for nearly two years.