Srinagar, April 26(KNB): In a startling revelation through a Right to Information (RTI) request, it has come to light that a Lok Sabha candidate from the National Conference Aga Ruhullah may be embroiled in a legal battle over discrepancies in his declared age.
The RTI document, obtained by a local resident, indicates that the NC candidate Ruhullah was born in 1982, contrary to the 1977 birth year stated in his election affidavits since 2002.
As per the RTI, Ruhullah alleged to have falsified his date of birth to meet the minimum age requirement for contesting elections. The case, which had been previously dismissed due to insufficient evidence, has resurfaced with the advent of the RTI Act, potentially exposing a manipulation of records that dates back to the candidate’s first election campaign.
According to the RTI findings, the candidate’s passport corroborates the 1982 birth year. Sources suggest that the alleged age manipulation was facilitated by a former NC Education Minister, who is accused of fabricating the candidate’s matriculation records.
If the allegations are proven, the candidate could face severe consequences under Section 125-A of the Representation of People’s Act, including retrospective disqualification from previous legislative terms and a potential jail sentence. Moreover, the candidate could be barred from future elections for up to 15 years, and may be liable to reimburse the state for salaries and benefits received during his tenure.
The NC leadership is rumored to have been aware of the situation and has reportedly fielded a backup candidate in anticipation of legal challenges. The case’s outcome hinges on the verification of state records and, if necessary, personal testimony from the candidate and his family, as well as medical testing to confirm his age.