Shiv Sena MLA’s caste certificate declared “invalid”

Mumbai: The caste certificate submitted by a Shiv Sena MLA elected from a reserved constituency in Buldhana district of Maharashtra has been found to be “invalid”, a government-appointed committee has said in its interim evaluation.

The Caste Verification Committee, in its interim evaluation today, found the certificate submitted by Sena MLA Sanjay Raimulkar to be “invalid”, a panel member said.

Raimulkar is the MLA from Mehkar (SC) constituency.

Based on initial finding, the committee has termed Raimulkars’ election as “null and void” and informed the Buldhana District Collector about the same, he said.

A final verdict in the matter is expected to be delivered on January 27, he said.

Raimulkar was elected to the Assembly in the October 2014 elections by defeating his nearest Congress rival Laxmanrao Ghumare.