Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Former IPS Urges ECI to Reject PM Modi's Nomination Over 'Not Known' Spouse Details

Varanasi- In a bold move, Amitabh Thakur, former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and the President of Azad Adhikar Sena, has escalated his demand to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to reject the nomination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Thakur's demand stems from allegations of false and misleading information provided by Modi in his affidavit submitted for the Varanasi Parliamentary Lok Sabha constituency.

PM Modi filed his nomination papers on May 14. Besides him, there are 41 other candidates in the election fray.

In a detailed letter addressed to the Presiding Officer of Varanasi Lok Sabha Constituency, Thakur outlined his concerns regarding discrepancies in Prime Minister Modi's affidavit.

Referring to Modi's previous nomination in 2019, Thakur pointed out that Modi had listed "Mrs. Jashoda Ben" in his affidavit but had marked "Not Known" for all other details regarding his spouse, including her profession and PAN number.

Thakur argued that it is morally and legally incumbent upon a candidate to provide accurate information regarding their spouse or dependent. He highlighted that as Prime Minister and a former Chief Minister, it is unreasonable to believe that Modi would not have access to such basic information about his own wife. Thakur further noted that the profession of Modi's wife, a retired teacher, is well-known to the public.

Expressing his disappointment with Modi's repeated use of "Not Known" in his recent affidavit filed on May 14, 2024, Thakur reiterated his demand for the cancellation of Modi's nomination on the grounds of providing false and misleading information. He urged the Presiding Officer to take necessary action in accordance with the rules governing the electoral process.

The letter has been copied to the Election Commission of India, the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow, and the relevant authorities in the Varanasi Lok Sabha Constituency for their attention and necessary action.

As Thakur's call gains momentum, political observers are keenly watching the response of the Election Commission, anticipating its implications on the electoral landscape.

Azad Adhikar Sena Throws Weight Behind Shyam Rangeela

In response to the Varanasi administration's alleged obstruction of their candidate Main Zinda Hoon - Santosh Moorat Singh from filing his nomination by holding him in illegal custody, Amitabh Thakur has declared his party's support for comedian Shyam Rangeela's bid in Varanasi.

Thakur cited the incident as a flagrant violation of democratic principles and vowed to stand with individuals striving to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, such as Rangeela.

This announcement adds another layer of intrigue to the Varanasi electoral landscape, as Rangeela gathers momentum with the backing of Thakur's party.

Who is Amitabh Thakur

Amitabh Thakur is a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and a political activist known for his strict adherence to rules and regulations during his service.

He held the position of Inspector General of Civil Defence before being compulsorily retired in March 2021. MHA gave a compulsory retirement to Thakur. The Home Ministry order said that Thakur was not found fit to be retained for the remaining tenure of his service.

After retirement, Thakur became involved in social and political activism, aiming to promote transparency and accountability in public life.

Thakur is currently the President of the registered political party Azad Adhikar Sena, which he co-founded with his wife, Dr. Nutan Thakur, and others. The primary objective of Azad Adhikar Sena is to combat injustice, atrocity, and corruption.

Candidates Vying for the Varanasi Seat

According to the Election Commission's records, a total of 42 candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the Varanasi seat. Among this diverse array of contenders, are INDIA alliance's Ajai Rai, the Bahujan Samaj Party, led by Mayawati, has fielded Ather Jamal Lari to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Adding to the eclectic mix is internet comedian Shyam Rangeela, renowned for his viral mimicry act of Modi back in 2016, who enters the fray as an independent candidate.

PM Modi's competitors include Kolisetty Shiva Kumar from the Yuga Thulasi Party, Awachit Shamrao Sayam from the Janseva Gondwana Party, Paras Nath Keshari from the Rashtriya Samajwadi Jankranti Party, Gagan Prakash from the Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), and Abhishek Prajaprati from the Bahadur Aadmi Party, among others.