Kolkata, May 24 – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that BJP’s Ghatal Lok Sabha nominee, Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya, has provided false information about his educational qualifications in his affidavit and has sought the cancellation of his candidature.
AAP accused Chattopadhyaya, an actor-turned-politician, of falsely claiming to be a research fellow at IIT Kharagpur. “We have observed a discrepancy in the election affidavit declaration of Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya regarding his educational qualification/accomplishment. He has claimed to be a research fellow at IIT Kharagpur since May 2023. However, a recent RTI reply from IIT Kharagpur has revealed that he is neither a research associate, nor scientist, nor staff, nor in any other category, as per the institute rules and regulations,” AAP stated in the letter on Thursday.
The party argued that Chattopadhyaya has provided “falsified personal information in his election affidavit, which is a violation of rules and regulations in respect of the Representation of the People Act.” Consequently, AAP has approached the Election Commission, urging them to address their concerns and demand the cancellation of Chattopadhyaya’s candidature for the upcoming general election.
In response, Chattopadhyaya dismissed the allegations, claiming that it was a “conspiracy of the ruling Trinamool Congress.” He also indicated that he might take legal action against those attempting to defame him.
An official from the West Bengal CEO office commented, “We are looking into the complaint, and necessary steps will be taken based on our findings.”
