The Aam Aadmi Party’s mayoral candidate, Kuldeep Kumar, has stirred discussion following the nomination by BJP of its councillor and presiding officer, Anil Masih, in the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor elections of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on January 30. The case regarding the annulment of 8 votes underwent a second round of hearings in the Supreme Court today, where presiding officer Anil Masih was summoned to appear.
During today’s hearing, the Supreme Court once again strongly criticized the alleged undermining of democracy in the Mayor elections. Anil Masih admitted to marking 8 ballot papers when questioned by the Supreme Court about the use of a pen. The court commented that Masih’s actions, undertaken while occupying the presiding officer’s chair during the mayor elections, were unacceptable and suggested that he should face prosecution.
Responding to the developments, Dr. SS Ahluwalia, Chairman and co-in-charge of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, AAP Chandigarh, expressed confidence that the Supreme Court’s stern comments indicate that justice will soon be served to the people of Chandigarh.
He informed that the Supreme Court clarified there would be no re-polling for the Mayor post, and the mayor would be declared by disregarding the marks made by Anil Masih with a pen on the votes cast on January 30, opting for a recount.
Dr. Ahluwalia further revealed that the Supreme Court was informed by their lawyers about alleged threats and attempts to poach BJP councilors in Chandigarh. The court deemed such actions as a threat to democracy and assured that it would take appropriate action.
Dr. Ahluwalia criticized the removal of cameras from BJP councilors and implicated them, including Kanwarjit Rana, Harjeet Singh, former mayor Anup Gupta, Jasmanpreet Singh, nominated councilor Satintar Sidhu, Dr. Ramnik Bedi, Amit Jindal, and Dr. Naresh Panchal, in the alleged manipulation.
He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s call for the prosecution of Anil Masih during the hearing, along with the request for the presentation of ballot papers and videos, signals that justice will prevail, potentially resulting in Chandigarh’s first Mayor from the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress.