On Thursday, the first day of nomination for the Lok Sabha elections, 48 candidates have filed their nominations. Voters in 17 constituencies of Telangana will exercise their franchise on May 13. Prominent leaders who filed nominations on the first day included Eatala Rajender (BJP, Malkajgiri), M Raghunandan Rao (BJP, Medak), DK Aruna (BJP). Mahabubnagar), Sanampudi Sayeedi Reddy (BJP, Nalgonda), Mallu Ravi (Congress, Nagarkurnool) and Suresh Kumar Shetkar (Congress, Zaheerabad).
Addressing the media, Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj said candidates can also submit their nominations online. “Candidates must submit a printed copy of their nomination papers to their respective returning officers by April 24, 2024,” he said.
Asked whether a sitting MLA can contest the Lok Sabha elections on behalf of a party other than the one he represents, the CEO said it is a legal issue and instructions have been given to returning officers in this regard.
On complaints and MCC violations, he said the Election Commission has received 2,000 complaints against candidates, resulting in 4,099 FIRs being filed.
