BJP candidate withdraws from polls at last minute, still remains candidate on EVM.

 BENGALURU: L Chandrashekar a BJP candidate withdrew from the fray in the Ramanagara assembly bypoll which might help the JD(S) candidate consolidate Vokkaliga votes in the constituency.

Sanjiv Kumar the chief electoral officer said that, Chandrashekar will continue to remain in the fray as the candidate of BJP as the period for withdrawal of candidates has ended. All seven candidates who registered their nomination papers have no option but to contest. 

There are currently seven candidates in the fray — one each from the JD(S), BJP and Purvanchal Mahapanchayat Party, and four independents. The candidate cannot withdraw and his or her name cannot be removed. “Only in case of death of a candidate can the name be removed from the ballot,” an official said.

Kumar said that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have already been prepared with the names of all candidates and it is impossible for them to change. “Also, we have not received any formal letter from Chandrashekar to inform us that he is withdrawing or retiring from the poll race,” he said.

The BJP, party sources said that, they will register a formal complaint with the EC on Friday for the postponement of the Ramanagara bypoll as the candidate who had retired from the poll race at the last minute was lured by goodies and money which was offered by the JD(S) and Congress.