The decision of the district collector of Malappuram, Amit Meena, who is the returning officer of the by-election, to accept the nomination filed by Indian Union Muslim League candidate P K Kunhalikutty has sparked off a row.

While an independent candidate A K Shaji  filed an affidavit to the collector raising objections in this regard, the BJP has approached the Chief Election Commissioner. In the plea, it sought to reject the nomination of Kunhalikutty and also to take action against the district collector. The BJP will also approach the High Court soon to file a petition in this regard. The BJP's objection is that Kunhalikutty didn’t fill the column in the nomination in which he had to furnish details of property of spouse.

“Leaving a column blank implies the details furnished regarding the property of the candidate are incorrect. We have sent a complaint to the Election Commission and will approach the High Court also,” said BJP Malappuram district president Ramachandran. The BJP is not satisfied with the detailed hearing conducted by the collector in this regard. They alleged that the suppression of facts was deliberate in the meeting. Kunhalikutty’s counsel said that the omission was not intentional.

IUML leader ET Mohammed Basheer declined to comment. He told The News Minute that the party is examining the issue. The by-election for the Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency is on April 12.