Sasaram: The State Election Commission, Bihar, has disqualified chief councillor of Bhabua Municipal Council, Vikas Kumar Tiwari and ordered his immediate removal from office.The action was taken under Section 18(1)(M) of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, which bars individuals with more than two children born after April 4, 2008, from contesting elections. The action comes following a complaint by former chief councillor Jainendra Kumar Arya, who accused Tiwari of concealing details related to his children in official documents.According to the petition, Tiwari has four children, with one born after the prescribed cut-off date. During the inquiry, the commission examined school records, matriculation certificates, and other official documents, which confirmed that three of his children were born after April 4, 2008. It concluded that this information was deliberately suppressed in the nomination papers and that misleading declarations were made in the affidavit submitted during the election process.After granting both parties a fair hearing, the commission rejected Tiwari’s defence, noting that the documentary evidence regarding the dates of birth remained undisputed. It subsequently ruled that Tiwari stands disqualified from holding the post, declaring the position of chief councillor vacant with immediate effect.The commission has also directed the district magistrate to initiate legal proceedings against Tiwari for allegedly filing a false affidavit and withholding information, and to submit a compliance report within four weeks.The development has triggered political activity in Bhabua Municipal Council, with the process for fresh elections to the vacant post expected to commence shortly.Manoj Kumar Pawan, district panchayati raj officer, Kaimur, confirmed that formal orders have been issued to remove the chief councillor in line with the commission’s directive.Vikas Kumar Tiwari has termed the commission’s decision “erroneous” and stated that he has already filed an appeal before the Patna high court.
