Can’t take chances: ticket aspirants clear bills,put documents in order

The candidates have to submit affidavits related to their movable and immovable assets. An affidavit on crime record is also to be furnished. If the assembly segment is reserved,then the candidate has to submit a caste certificate.

No party has so far announced the candidates. The uncertainty over who will get the ticket still looms large,but those sure of making it do not want to risk missing the opportunity because of failure in fulfilling mandatory requirements.

“I am not sure who will get the ticket,but have already started collecting documents required to be furnished with the nomination form,” said NCP probable Bapu Pathare. He has sought the party ticket from Wadgaonsheri,but it is still not clear whether the NCP will contest this assembly segment as an alliance for the October 13 polls with the Congress is yet to be forged.

Though there is no need to submit any certificates other than the caste certificate in case of a reserved assembly segment,the candidates have to furnish income tax returns and details of sales tax and wealth tax.

“I have asked my lawyer to prepare the relevant affidavit to be furnished with the nomination form,” said Congress leader Ulhas Bagul,who is seeking to contest Parvati assembly segment.

Much of this work,such as assessment of movable property (vehicles,jewellery and other items owned either by the candidate or their kin) is also being assigned to lawyers.

Similarly,assessment of immovable property like bungalows,apartments,agriculture and non-agriculture land is also being carried out so that there is no room for error in the affidavit.

As candidates have to furnish details of finances pertaining to bank deposits and loans,Bagul said services of a chartered accountant is normally taken. Since,the affidavits are made public,most candidates prefer to pay all their dues like income tax,wealth tax,sales tax or property tax,said MNS leader Ravindra Dhangekar who is set to contest from Kasbapeth.

“I am getting all my dues like water,electricity and telephone bills cleared so there there is no mention of pending bills in the affidavit,” he said. Dhangekar said this is vital as otherwise the image of the candidate will take a beating and the rival candidate might make an issue of it.

It is also necessary to be extremely careful while preparing the affidavit as it can be challenged in court. The elected member can lose membership of the state legislature if the information therein submitted is found to be incorrect later.