Amidst allegations over asset concealment ECI accepts BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s nomination
Thiruvananthapuram: The Election Commission on Tuesday reportedly accepted the nomination of BJP state president and NDA candidate from Nemom, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, despite allegations by the Congress that he concealed assets in his election affidavit, The New Indian Express reported.
According to the report, Chandrasekhar’s nomination had initially been set aside following a complaint from the Congress, but it was later accepted during scrutiny by the Election Commission.
The Congress on Monday alleged that Chandrasekhar did not disclose a 49,000 sq ft mansion located in Koramangala, Bengaluru.
According to the party, the property spans around one and a half acres in one of the country’s most expensive localities and is estimated to be worth nearly Rs 200 crore, based on prevailing land rates of Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 per sq ft.
The party also noted that property tax for the land was paid on March 17 and shared a link on social media platform X, stating that the details could be verified by the public.
Dear @Ceokerala,
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) March 23, 2026
BJP candidate from Nemom constituency, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has not disclosed his residence, a 49,000 sq.ft mansion in Koramangala 3rd Block, Bengaluru, in his affidavit.
This is a 1.07 acre property in one of the most expensive locations in the country, where… pic.twitter.com/pyyzD5Sft7
It also shared photos to support the claim.
Despite these allegations, the Election Commission accepted Chandrasekhar’s nomination on Tuesday.
Reacting to the decision, UDF candidate and complainant K Sabarinathan said that the Returning Officer, “being a quasi judicial authority, does not have the mandate to act on such matters.”
He added that the issue would be pursued through legal channels.
The Congress claimed that the same property had been declared in Chandrasekhar’s 2024 affidavit and that its omission this time “allegedly amounts to an attempt to mislead the Election Commission.” The party has demanded a probe and appropriate action.
Meanwhile, LDF candidate in Nemom, V Sivankutty, noted in a Facebook post that the party intends to pursue legal action, including an election petition, stating, “the alleged concealment of assets worth crores by the BJP’s Nemom candidate is a serious betrayal of voters. Despite tax records confirming ownership of a luxury Bengaluru residence, it was omitted from the affidavit, pointing to a deliberate attempt to mislead. The same property was declared in the previous Lok Sabha election, making this omission suspicious and unlawful.”
According to the affidavit submitted along with his nomination papers, Chandrasekhar declared total assets worth Rs 93.88 crore.
These include a 9,600 sq ft house in Koramangala valued at Rs 15.07 crore, jewellery worth Rs 3.58 crore including 369.12 grams of gold and diamonds, and a 1942 model motorcycle valued at Rs 10,000.
His financial assets include Rs 35.83 crore invested in shares, debentures, and bonds, Rs 4.37 crore in bank fixed deposits, and Rs 34.96 crore given as loans through institutions. He reported having Rs 64,100 in cash and an annual income of Rs 92.91 lakh in his latest income tax return.
Chandrasekhar’s wife, Anju, has an annual income of Rs 60.50 lakh and total assets worth Rs 18.10 crore, including jewellery valued at Rs 9.08 crore. She also has Rs 3.40 lakh in cash. The affidavit lists liabilities of Rs 107.39 crore for Chandrasekhar and Rs 1.62 crore for his wife.
In addition to the asset-related allegations, a criminal case has been registered against Chandrasekhar in Ernakulam in connection with his social media response following the Kalamassery blast incident.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Congress of “spreading fake news.”
❌ Fearing electoral defeat, Congress cyber groups are continuously spreading fake news against BJP State President Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
— BJP KERALAM (@BJP4Keralam) March 24, 2026
❌ The claim being circulated by Congress cyber handles that he owns a residence in Koramangala and concealed this information in his… pic.twitter.com/tjAIYIGGHk
However, in a subsequent post, the Congress stated, “If our claim is fabricated, then the property tax receipt we shared must be fake.”
The party also provided a link to the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s property tax receipt portal and asked the BJP to verify it themselves.
It further added, “If your defence is that this ‘Rajeev Chandrasekhar’ is not the same as your leader @RajeevRC_X, then kindly refer to his own 2024 affidavit. He has explicitly stated that he resides at House No. 408, while simultaneously declaring that he does not own any residential property. So which is it? Is he living in a ₹50,000 sq.ft. mansion owned by someone else with the exact same name, or is this a clear case of a false affidavit?”
Dear @BJP4Keralam,
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) March 24, 2026
If our claim is fabricated, then the property tax receipt we shared must be fake.
Please use application number 1600322463 at the link below and download it yourself. It clearly shows that Rajeev Chandrasekhar has paid around ₹5 lakh as property tax for… https://t.co/2Z6N4GJfX7 pic.twitter.com/trAykffSMW
In another post, the Congress said, “we are sharing further details of Rajeev Chandrasekhar's properties. These are two of his properties which are clubbed into one as #408, which together cover 47,446 sq.ft. What is declared as #419 is just his car shed. If you insist @BJP4Keralam, we can show the visuals of his car shed. Do you want that? Let us know.”
We are sharing further details of Rajeev Chandrasekhar's properties. These are two of his properties which are clubbed into one as #408, which is together 47,446 sq.ft.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) March 24, 2026
What is declared his #419, which is just his car shed. If you insist @BJP4Keralam, we can show the visuals of… pic.twitter.com/vFByDUHrw9
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
