Chandigarh mayor polls: Supreme Court orders recount amid allegations of vote tampering

Chandigarh mayor polls: During Tuesday's session, the Supreme Court addressed allegations of vote tampering in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, stating that the eight 'defaced' votes should be considered valid, and a recounting should be conducted.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls held on January 30, surpassing the Aam Aadmi Party-Congress alliance candidate. However, the victory was shadowed by controversy as the returning officer declared eight votes from the coalition partners as invalid, prompting accusations of ballot tampering.

Supreme Court says a fit case is made out for the initiation of proceedings under Section 340 CrPC against Anil Masih, Returning Officer of Chandigarh Mayor poll; directs Registrar Judicial to issue a notice to him to show cause as to why steps should not be initiated against…

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024

CJI points out discrepancies in the invalidation process

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, during the hearing, emphasized that all eight ballots, invalidated by Returning Officer Anil Masih, had received the stamp for Kuldeep Kumar, the Aam Aadmi Party's candidate. He pointed out discrepancies in the invalidation process, highlighting concerns over the fairness of the election.

On the preceding day, the Supreme Court had mandated the submission of ballot papers and video footage of the vote-counting process in the Chandigarh mayoral polls.

BJP secured win in January 30 elections

The BJP secured a comprehensive win in the January 30 polls, retaining all three positions and defeating the Congress-AAP coalition. In response, the AAP petitioned the Supreme Court for fresh elections, alleging "fraud and forgery" by Returning Officer Anil Masih.

The integrity of the electoral process was further questioned after a viral video depicted Anil Masih marking ballot papers while seemingly glancing at CCTV footage, raising doubts about the transparency of the elections.

During Monday's hearing, the Supreme Court denounced potential "horse-trading business" in the mayoral polls and pointed out that Anil Masih be prosecuted if found culpable.

BJP's Manoj Sonkar initially secured the mayor's position with 16 votes against his opponent's 12 but later resigned. Moreover, three AAP councilors defected to the BJP.

Thank you SC for saving democracy in these difficult times! #ChandigarhMayorPolls

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 20, 2024

What was the response from Arvind Kejriwal?

In response to the Supreme Court's intervention, AAP national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you SC for saving democracy in these difficult times!"