Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Mar 17: Former Haryana chief minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in vote theft during the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Haryana, following the Assembly elections.

Hooda claimed that BJP misused its power and fielded a second candidate, the party’s Vice-President, despite lacking the requisite numerical strength, demonstrating a disregard for democracy and the public mandate.

He further alleged that the government machinery was misused, with four valid votes cast by Congress legislators being arbitrarily invalidated, despite being accepted multiple times by the Returning Officer. MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra added that the Returning Officer acted in favor of the BJP, but the Congress candidate still secured the Rajya Sabha seat due to the solidarity of party legislators.

Hooda announced that the names of five Congress MLAs who cross-voted have been forwarded to the party High Command and warned that they should voluntarily resign, failing which disciplinary action will be initiated.

Addressing misinformation on social media, Hooda clarified that Kuldeep Vats cast his vote in favor of the Congress candidate. He also condemned the undemocratic expulsion of Congress legislators from the Assembly when they sought to debate the Rajya Sabha elections, accusing the BJP of avoiding transparency and resorting to unethical tactics.

Hooda congratulated the victorious Congress candidate, Karamvir Baudh, noting that the win represents Dalits, backward classes, and marginalized sections of Haryana and reflects Congress’ commitment to inclusive representation.