In the high-stakes contests for the Karnataka Assembly Elections, family members of prominent leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have been named as backups in case of last-minute disqualifications due to technical or legal issues.
Congress leader and state chief DK Shivakumar has named his brother, DK Suresh, as a backup candidate to cover any disqualification that may arise. Suresh, who represents the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency and is also the only Congress Member of Parliament from Karnataka, had earlier shown a lack of interest in entering state politics.
Credits – Navabharat Times
The decision to name a backup candidate is seen as a precautionary measure due to ongoing investigations by the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department. If Shivakumar’s nomination is struck down by the Election Commission of India, Suresh will step in as the Congress candidate for the Kanakapura constituency.
Credits – The Economic Times
According to Indian law, a Member of Legislative Assembly can be disqualified if they hold any office of profit under the government, are declared of unsound mind by a competent court, are charge-sheeted, bankrupt or insolvent, are not a citizen of India, have voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign state, are under any acknowledgement of allegiance or adherence to a foreign state, are found guilty of an illegal practice in relation to election, or have been convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment.
