AAP claims its Ward 227 candidate was denied nomination filing despite being present before the deadline; complaint lodged with the State Election Commission
AAP accused Maharashtra Assembly Speaker and BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar of interfering in the electoral process. File Pic
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged serious irregularities in the BMC Election 2026 nomination process in Mumbai’s Colaba area, accusing Maharashtra Assembly Speaker and BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar of interfering in the electoral process and misusing official machinery.
Addressing a press conference, AAP leaders claimed that the party’s Ward 227 candidate, Margaret Da Costa, was unlawfully prevented from filing her nomination papers despite being present inside the Returning Officer’s (RO) premises well before the stipulated deadline of 5 pm. The party described the incident as a “grave subversion of democratic norms” and alleged that due process was deliberately ignored.
AAP claims due process was bypassed
According to AAP, the Returning Officer’s office in Colaba failed to adhere to the legally mandated procedure for accepting nomination forms. The party asserted that under election rules, all candidates who are present within the RO premises before the deadline must be issued tokens, after which their nomination forms are collected and processed in an orderly manner. Candidates are then called into the RO’s chamber one by one following a formal announcement.
AAP alleged that this procedure was not followed in Colaba, leading to the denial of its candidate’s nomination. The party further claimed that the RO acted under external pressure, compromising the independence expected of a statutory election official.
Candidate present before the deadline: AAP
AAP stated that Margaret Da Costa, a senior citizen from the minority community, entered the RO premises well before the 5 pm cut-off time to submit her nomination. The party claimed that CCTV footage from the premises could independently verify her presence inside the building before the deadline.
According to AAP, Da Costa had completed all formal requirements, including the payment of the nomination fee of Rs 2,500. Her nomination form and affidavit were reportedly examined by officials, after which she was asked to wait to be formally called into the RO’s office. Despite complying with all instructions and waiting patiently, she was allegedly denied the opportunity to submit her nomination.
Allegations of political interference
AAP Mumbai president Preeti Sharma Menon termed the incident a serious breach of the democratic process. She alleged that the RO, who functions under the State Election Commission of Maharashtra, failed to act independently and instead followed instructions purportedly issued by a political leader.
“The State Election Commission has a constitutional mandate to conduct free and fair elections without fear or favour. In this case, the Returning Officer has acted at the behest of a political leader, which is a blatant violation of due process,” Menon said.
She further alleged that Rahul Narwekar “hijacked the election apparatus” in Colaba and questioned the authority under which he could influence the RO’s actions. Menon maintained that the entire sequence of events could be corroborated through CCTV footage from the RO premises.
Complaint filed, further action planned
AAP confirmed that it has formally lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission of Maharashtra, seeking immediate intervention and accountability. The party said it would pursue the matter through all available legal and constitutional avenues to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Calling the episode a threat to democratic values, AAP reiterated its demand for a thorough and impartial inquiry. The party also urged the Election Commission to take strict action against those found responsible, stressing that adherence to due process is essential to uphold the credibility of elections.
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