MUMBAI, Jan. 1 -- Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora on Wednesday wrote to the state election commissioner, alleging procedural irregularities in filing Forms A and B (nomination letters to candidates by political parties) in the BMC polls, where digital signatures have been used instead of ink. This year, many political parties informed candidates of their nomination at the eleventh hour, a tactic to minimise rebellion in their ranks. Left with no time to physically distribute signed AB forms, they signed and shared them digitally. Deora has demanded that the nomination of these candidates be rejected or the candidates disqualified. While the BJP and Sena have followed the rule book, Deora claimed many political parties have not. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said, "The scrutiny is done by the returning officer, who is a quasi-judicial officer, and we don't interfere in this. Form B requires signature by a pen.'' In his letter to Waghmare, Deora said he was seeking the urgent intervention in relation to procedural irregularities committed by several parties in the issuance, authentication and submission of Form A and Form B for the ensuing civic polls. "Forms A and B issued with digital signatures by various political parties are invalid. and candidates who have relied upon such forms have filed nominations without lawful authorisation and, therefore, render their nominations liable to disqualification," said Deora. Opposition parties, the target of Deora's complaint, are unfazed. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab said, "We have taken precautions and we don't have to worry about disqualification.'' NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, "The process laid down by the SEC has been followed by candidates. If digital signatures were not allowed, why did SEC accept them?'' Sanjay Tatkare, general secretary of the NCP said, "The government talks of a 'Digital India' and promoting a Digital India. Hence digital signatures should be held as valid.''...