The rescinding of mayoral election has paved the way for the State Election Commission (SEC) to go ahead with the re-election of the contestants for the post of mayor. However, the late night development of April 20 has placed incumbent mayor Rama Khalkho in catch-22 type situation.
According legal expert Rajeev Kumar, “Khalkho can file nomination but she needs to come out of hiding which would lead to her arrest,” for this reason she will have to obtain bail from Court.
Interestingly, sources close to Khalkho are waiting for the step she might take after the latest development. “It is too early to predict anything so we must wait and watch,” said a source.
Surendra Singh, another aide of Khalkho said, “We have time till the fresh notification is issued but I cannot comment anything at this juncture.”
Significantly, the SEC has not debarred Rama Khalkho from contesting election as she needs to be proved guilty in the court of law in connection with the cash-for-vote fiasco.
The State Election Commissioner SD Sharma on earlier occasion had said that the matter was pending with the court and any decision in this regard to debarring Khalkho could be taken only after pronouncement of judgement by the court.
Meanwhile, Khalkho’s bail petition will come up for hearing on April 25 in the Vigilance court.
“Since somebody has claimed the money the charges will not stand in the court,” said Afsar Hussain, lawyer of Khalkho, adding “I am hopeful that my client will get bail.”