Former Union Minister Pawan Bansal has accused the BJP of undermining democracy during the Chandigarh mayoral polls, labelling their actions as an assault on democratic principles. Bansal expressed concern over the cancellation of 8 votes in the Municipal Corporation elections, constituting more than 25 percent of the total votes.
He drew a historical parallel, linking the day’s events to the assassination attempt on Mahatma Gandhi 76 years ago, emphasizing the perceived assault on democracy, the Constitution, and the ideals of its architect, Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
Bansal warned that if the BJP could openly engage in such machinations during a mayoral election, the extent to which they might go in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is alarming. Despite the disheartening turn of events, Bansal expressed hope in democracy and vowed to seek justice by approaching the High Court and Supreme Court to challenge what he referred to as the BJP’s hooliganism.
In the midst of widespread criticism, Pawan Kumar Bansal lambasted the BJP for its victory in the Chandigarh mayoral election, attributing it to their deceitful tactics. He accused the BJP of being the perpetrator of democracy’s demise. Raising concerns about the electoral process, Bansal highlighted that the media was barred from the elections despite a previous order from the Punjab-Haryana High Court instructing supporters of councilors not to attend. The live streaming of the entire process inadvertently exposed the BJP’s alleged deceit.
Bansal questioned the BJP’s confidence in victory despite having fewer councilors, pondering their strategy after failed attempts to remove councilors. He remarked on the extent to which the BJP was willing to go to secure even a small mayoral election.
Asserting their democratic right, Bansal contended that their counting agent should have been present to ensure fairness. However, he accused the presiding officer of assuming the role of the corporation’s secretary, personally opening, marking, and canceling ballot papers. The perceived dishonesty of these actions was evident on the presiding officer’s face, according to Bansal.