From correspondents in Andhra Pradesh, India, 12:03 AM IST

Election authorities rejected the nomination of opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate from one assembly constituency as he was convicted in a criminal case.

Nomination of Ramesh Rathod from Khanapur assembly constituency in Adilabad district was rejected by the Election Commission officials during scrutiny Tuesday.

By-elections to four Lok Sabha and 18 assembly constituencies are scheduled to be held May 28.

Rathod was last year sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a local court for attacking the officials of forest department. He has challenged the sentence in a higher court.

The election authorities took the decision on complaints by some local people. TDP sources said anticipating this, Rathod's wife had also filed the nomination as an independent candidate.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)