Karnal, April 28 -- During the scrutiny of nomination papers for the Ambala municipal corporation (MC) elections on Monday, three papers were rejected by the authorities including a BJP rebel, who was contesting as an Independent candidate. The candidate Pushpendra Kumar alias Harish Sharma was seeking a ticket from the BJP, but he filed his nomination as an Independent candidate after being denied ticket from ward 16. The nomination of his covering candidate Vijay Kumar was also rejected. After the decision, Kumar hit-out at the BJP and alleged, "They tried to buy me, kept on calling and persuading my friends, but I did not relent. When everything failed, they got my nomination cancelled." Returning officer and additional deputy commissioner Virat said that the nomination papers of three candidates, Sanjeev Sharma from the Indian National Congress (ward 3), and Independent candidates Pushpinder Kumar and Vijay Kumar from ward 16, were rejected after they were found to be inconsistent with the rules. He also informed that Priyanka Sharma's nomination papers have been accepted as a covering candidate from ward 3. She is the wife of Sanjeev Sharma and has now been supported by the Congress. ADC Virat said that a total of 96 candidates had filed nomination papers for the elections, out of which three were rejected, while seven were found to be double-filed. Now, 86 candidates remain in the fray for the councilor position, while three are running for mayor. Candidates can now withdraw their nominations until 3 pm on Tuesday after which election symbols will be allotted to those contesting. Panchkula Eight out of nine nominations for the mayoral post and 115 out of 123 nominations for ward members were accepted after scrutiny of papers for the upcoming Panchkula municipal corporation elections. Polling is slated for May 10. The scrutiny of nomination papers took place at the Mini Secretariat in Sector-1 under the supervision of returning officer Sanyam Garg. Officials said candidates had been given a checklist and necessary forms at the time of filing nominations and were briefed on all required formalities. The returning officer said the scrutiny process was conducted transparently and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the state election commission. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 28....