A controversy over a ballot box has sparked uproar in the Nangal Municipal Corporation elections, with opposition parties alleging irregularities and demanding a re-poll. The incident occurred during the counting of votes on Tuesday, when a ballot box was found to have been tampered with, leading to heated exchanges among political workers.
Details of the Incident
According to sources, the ballot box in question belonged to a particular ward and was discovered to have suspicious markings. The opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accused the ruling party of attempting to manipulate the results. They staged a protest outside the counting center, demanding that the Election Commission intervene.
Political Reactions
Senior leaders from various parties condemned the incident. Congress spokesperson said, "This is a clear attempt to subvert the democratic process. We demand a thorough investigation and a re-poll in the affected ward." AAP leaders echoed similar sentiments, calling for strict action against those responsible.
The ruling party, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless. A senior leader stated, "The opposition is trying to create a ruckus because they are losing. The ballot box was handled as per norms."
Election Commission's Response
The Election Commission has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Officials said that the ballot box has been sealed and will be examined. They assured that appropriate action will be taken if any violation is found.
Impact on Polls
The controversy has cast a shadow over the municipal elections, which were otherwise peaceful. Voters expressed disappointment over the incident. A local resident said, "We want fair elections. Such incidents erode trust in the system."
The counting process was temporarily halted due to the protests but later resumed. The final results are expected to be announced after the inquiry.
