Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday accused the BJP of undermining democracy and attempting to influence the Rajya Sabha elections through “manipulative tactics”.
Addressing a press conference, Hooda alleged that the BJP misused its power and government machinery during the polls. “The party fielded a second candidate despite lacking the required numbers. This shows it has no faith in democracy or the public mandate and wants to win through manipulation,” he said.
Hooda further said that “The government machinery was grossly misused. Four valid votes cast by Congress legislators were arbitrarily invalidated, despite having been accepted multiple times by the Returning Officer.”
Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra also alleged bias on the part of the Returning Officer, claiming he acted “as an agent of the BJP”. “Nevertheless, both the BJP and the Returning Officer suffered a humiliating defeat in the face of the solidarity displayed by the loyal Congress legislators. Ultimately, the Congress candidate secured a seat in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.
Hooda said the names of five Congress MLAs who allegedly cross-voted have been forwarded to the party high command. “These individuals should resign voluntarily from their posts as MLAs, failing which strict disciplinary action will be taken within hours,” he said, adding that such individuals will be taught a fitting lesson not only by the party but also by the constituents of their respective constituencies.
Responding to social media claims, Hooda clarified that Badli MLA Kuldeep Vats had voted in favour of the Congress candidate. “I personally witnessed his vote,” he said.
He also criticised the government’s conduct in the Assembly, alleging that Congress MLAs were “named” and expelled when they sought a discussion on the Rajya Sabha elections. “This is completely undemocratic,” he said.
“The fact that the BJP is shying away from a debate makes it evident that it has something to hide and that it resorted to unethical and undemocratic tactics to win this election,” he added.
Hooda congratulated Congress candidate Karamvir Boudh on his victory, calling it a win for Dalits, backward classes, and marginalised sections. “By sending a party worker from an ordinary family to the Rajya Sabha, the Congress has once again demonstrated that it is a party that believes in the participation of all sections of society,” he stated.
Also read: Haryana RS polls: BJP, Congress win one seat each
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