AICC Leaders Condemn BJP’s Alleged Election Manipulation, Praise Supreme Court Ruling on Chandigarh Mayor Elections

Dated 20th February 2024

By B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

New Delhi | In a significant development, the Supreme Court has overturned the results of the Chandigarh Mayor election, declaring the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the rightful winner. This decision comes after a three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, physically examined the disputed ballot papers.

The controversy arose when Returning Officer Anil Masih invalidated eight votes cast in favor of AAP’s mayoral candidate Kuldeep Kumar. Upon examination, the Supreme Court concluded that these eight ballots were indeed valid and had been cast in accordance with the electoral process.

Expressing strong disapproval of the Returning Officer’s actions, the Supreme Court has issued a showcause notice to Masih, directing him to respond within three weeks in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

From wiping tears to celebrating the victory with sweets. Image Source : @AamAadmiParty

In its scathing remarks, the Supreme Court highlighted the gravity of Masih’s actions, stating, “Firstly, he has unlawfully altered the course of Mayoral election. Secondly, in making a solemn statement before this Court on 19 February, the Presiding Officer expressed falsehood for which he must be held accountable.”

This decision by the Supreme Court marks a significant victory for AAP’s Kuldeep Kumar and underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of electoral processes. The outcome of this case not only ensures justice for the aggrieved party but also sends a strong message about the consequences of malpractice and misconduct in elections.

As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the Punjab and Haryana High Court to witness the outcome of the contempt proceedings against the erring Returning Officer.

In response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Chandigarh Mayor elections, both the AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal have issued statements highlighting the significance of the decision in safeguarding Indian democracy.

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in his message on X, he said that

“The Supreme Court has saved Democracy from the fangs of an autocratic BJP, which resorted to dirty election manipulation.

The institutional sabotage in the #ChandigarhMayorPolls is only a tip of the iceberg in Modi-Shah’s devious conspiracy to trample Democracy.

All Indians must fight this onslaught on our Constitution, collectively.

Never forget. Our Democracy shall be at the crossroads in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections !

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal in his message on X, he said that

“The Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decision on the farcical election for the Chandigarh Mayor will go a long way to save Indian democracy.

The entire election process was a complete farce, which has been duly exposed with this historic verdict !

For 4 months, we have been frequently seeking time from the Election Commission to discuss the issue of complete VVPAT counting, but it has not found any time for us so far. We hope the ECI moves swiftly and takes steps that will improve the people’s faith in the democratic process – not dent it.”

Both leaders called for urgent measures to enhance public trust in the democratic process and urged the Election Commission to address concerns raised by the opposition parties.

VIDEO : Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal addressing the media. Source : @AamAadmiParty

In his message on X, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal stated that ” Thank you SC for saving democracy in these difficult times !