The controversy over ‘rigged’ Haryana Rajya Sabha elections continues, with a video recording purporting to show that a BJP MLA was involved in irregularities at the polling booth emerging, The Hindu reported.
The video has been released by independent candidate (with Congress backing) RK Anand, who was defeated by BJP’s Subash Chandra.
The allegation is that BJP MLA Aseem Goyal walked to the ballot box to cast his vote, and while there, switched the authorised violent pen out for a similar-looking but unauthorised royal blue one. The difference in colour was slight enough that the switch was not noticed by Congress MLAs as they cast their votes. As a result of an unauthorised pen being used, the votes of 12 Congress MLAs in favour of Mr Anand were later annulled, leading to Mr Chandra’s win.
Mr Anand points to the recording, arguing that every other MLA spent a total of 4-5 seconds casting their ballot, while Mr Goyal spent 45 seconds placing his vote, during which time he made the switch.
Mr Anand has filed a case with Haryana Police against Mr Chandra, an official of the Election Commission, and two BJP MLAs.
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