Independent candidate pays Rs 25,000 in coins for Lok Sabha election security deposit. Here's why

The man will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an Independent candidate. (Representational)

A resident of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh stunned officials by paying a security deposit of Rs 25,000 entirely in coins at the collector's office on Wednesday to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an Independent candidate. Vinay Chakraborty arrived at the office armed with the amount in denominations of Rs 10, Rs 5, and Rs 2 coins.

"I made the payment of Rs 25,000 in denominations of Rs 10, Rs 5, and Rs 2 coins," Chakraborty told PTI reporters after paying the deposit. His decision to opt for such a payment method was driven by the absence of digital or online payment facilities at the collector's office.

Deepak Kumar Saxena, the Jabalpur district returning officer and collector, confirmed the receipt of Chakraborty's coin payment. "The payment made in coins by the prospective candidate was received, and a receipt of the same was given to him," Saxena said.

Filing of nominations for the initial phase of the upcoming elections is currently underway.

Six seats in Madhya Pradesh are slated for polls in the first phase on April 19. The last day to withdraw candidature in the first phase of polls in the state is March 30.

The Election Commission announced the schedule for elections on March 16.

The polling will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes will be on June 4.

(With PTI inputs)