Edison, NJ – A contentious political battle in Edison has escalated, with Municipal Clerk Cheryl Russomanno rejecting a challenge to the petitions of several mayoral and council candidates. The challenge, filed by attorney Rajiv D. Parikh on behalf of former Democratic Chairman Bimal Joshi, sought to disqualify Anjana Patel and Lav Patel for mayor, and Jayesh Mehta, Ingrid Chen, and Anthony DeAmorin for council.
The crux of the challenge revolved around allegations that petition signers were misled. In reponse Board of Education Memebr Anjana Patel said she was subjected to intimidation by Mayor Joshi. Anjana Patel, who filed her mayoral petitions on March 21, 2025, submitted a certification claiming that Mayor Joshi initiated unwelcome communications shortly after her filing. “Mayor Joshi and I are not friends and there is no reason for him to reach out to me other than to try to intimidate me out of running,” Patel asserted in her certification. She also stated that the mayor’s perceived “vast power and resources” caused her to consider withdrawing from the race out of fear for her family’s safety.
In her official response, Clerk Russomanno acknowledged the nature of the allegations and encouraged Parikh to refer the matter to the prosecutor’s office for an independent review, stating that her office lacks jurisdiction over criminal matters. However, she also clarified that even if the signatures of the individuals who claimed they were misled were removed, the candidates would still possess the requisite number of signatures to remain on the ballot.
“Therefore, I hereby deny your objection and will allow the candidates to remain on the ballot,” Russomanno stated in her letter to Parikh.
The decision has sparked criticism from some community members, who accuse Mayor Joshi and former Democratic Chairman Joshi of attempting to manipulate the election through legal maneuvers rather than allowing the voters to decide. Critics claim this strategy undermines the democratic process.
The full text of Clerk Russomanno’s response, sent via electronic mail, is as follows:
March 31, 2025
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Rajiv D. Parikh PEM LAW LLP One Boland Drive, Suite 101 West Orange, NJ 07052 rparikh@pemlawfirm.com
RE: Response to: Challenge to Petition of Patel, Patel, Mehta, Chen and DeAmorin
Dear Mr. Parikh:
I am in receipt of your objection to the petitions for nominations filed by Lav Patel for Mayor, Anjana Patel for Mayor, and council candidates Jayesh Mehta, Ingrid Chen and Anthony DeAmorin. The allegations in your objection, and the certifications in support thereof, are certainly alarming and, if true, would likely result in an investigation from the prosecutor’s office.
Therefore, I encourage you to refer this matter to the prosecutor’s office for their independent review. However, this office has no jurisdiction over such matters.
In addition, even if all of the petition signers who have offered certifications (alleging they were misled) were removed from the petition, the candidates in question would still have the requisite number of signatures to remain on the ballot.
Therefore, I hereby deny your objection and will allow the candidates to remain on the ballot.
Once again, I have no jurisdiction to determine whether criminal conduct took place in this instance. Please be guided accordingly.
Thank you.
Cheryl Russomanno, RMC Township Clerk
Cc: Lou Rainone, ESQ Lav Patel Anjana Patel Jayesh Mehta Ingrid Chen Anthony DeAmorin
