Thiruvananthapuram, March 23 (NationPress) A new controversy has surfaced in Kerala’s prominent Nemom constituency, situated in the heart of the state capital, as the Congress party accuses BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar of omitting a valuable residential asset worth approximately Rs 200 crore from his election affidavit. In a bid to escalate matters, Congress leaders are calling for the Election Commission's involvement.

This allegation was initially brought to light through the Congress party’s social media channels, asserting that Chandrasekhar did not declare a grand 49,000 sq. ft. mansion located in the Koramangala 3rd Block of Bengaluru.

To support their claim, the Congress party has shared a copy of the property tax receipt for this estate.

The property, covering 1.07 acres, is estimated to hold a land value of around Rs 200 crore based on current market evaluations.

The Congress party contends that this omission raises significant concerns regarding the authenticity and thoroughness of the affidavit submitted by the candidate.

It was noted that the affidavit allegedly states that Chandrasekhar owns neither a residential property nor a vehicle, a claim that seems inconsistent with his status as a billionaire businessman and former Union Minister.

To further the issue, Congress leaders have urged the Election Commission to take action under the Representation of the People Act if any discrepancies are verified.

They argue that failing to disclose assets could lead to disqualification if proven.

The BJP has yet to provide an official response to this specific claim.

However, this controversy is likely to introduce a new layer of complexity to the electoral battle in Nemom, a constituency that holds significant political value for the BJP.

Chandrasekhar, who is spearheading the BJP’s campaign in Kerala, is viewed as a pivotal figure in the party's efforts to regain influence in the Assembly.

Nemom, which previously granted the BJP its inaugural Assembly seat in the state in 2016 and which they lost in 2021, remains a focal point in this election.

The recent revelations from Congress could intensify the political contest, with the veteran party striving to emphasize transparency and accountability, while the BJP is expected to respond by labeling these allegations as politically driven.

As the campaign heats up, this controversy highlights the growing importance of personal disclosures and financial declarations in Kerala’s fiercely contested electoral landscape.