Raj Babbar rebuffed by poll official (Lead)

Ghaziabad, March 22 (IANS) Congress Lok Sabha candidate Raj Babbar was Saturday rebuffed by the Ghaziabad assistant returning officer (ARO) when the actor-turned-politician requested the official to file his nomination papers ahead of other applicants who were waiting in queue.

Babbar pleaded that a priest had suggested the filing of his papers between 1 and to 1.20 p.m.

He reached the ARO office at 12.50 p.m. and wanted to file his papers within the suggested time.

As he entered the ARO office, he was asked to sit on a chair by the police officer on duty.

After 10 minutes, Babbar got up, reached the applicant's box and requested the ARO to process his papers before the others.

Turning down Babbar's plea, ARO Keshav Kumar said there were clear directions from the chief election commissioner to accept nomination papers on first-come first-served basis.

As there were two other applicants before Babbar waiting for their turn, the former actor's papers would be processed later.

On the ARO's denial, Babbar signed his papers and waited for his turn for 20 minutes. His papers were processed at 2.20 p.m.