Congress Accuses Returning Officer of Bias in Haryana Rajya Sabha Election
In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the Rajya Sabha election vote counting, Congress candidate Karamvir Singh Boudh has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI). The complaint alleges that Returning Officer Pankaj Aggarwal, an IAS officer, is acting in a biased and predetermined manner, sparking significant political tension in Haryana.
Allegations of Partisan Conduct
According to Congress Chief Whip and counting agent BB Batra, Aggarwal has exhibited partisan behavior by illegally entertaining complaints regarding a breach of voting secrecy. The complaints targeted two Congress MLAs, Paramvir Singh and Bharat Singh Beniwal, after they had already cast their votes. Batra asserted that no objections were raised at the time of voting, and the officer's actions appear to be influenced by the state BJP government.
In his complaint, Boudh emphasized that a review of video footage from the incident would disprove the allegations. He further claimed that Aggarwal refused to provide the video footage upon request, even after it was played before the Congress nominee and his election agent. Boudh urged the ECI to requisition all related records, including the footage, to ensure a fair decision.
Counter-Allegations and Political Clashes
Earlier, Haryana Cabinet Minister Krishan Bedi, serving under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, accused the same two Congress MLAs of breaching voting secrecy. In response, the Congress filed a similar complaint against state Energy Minister Anil Vij. Both complaints remained unresolved at the time of reporting, adding to the electoral uncertainty.
Tensions escalated outside the counting venue in Chandigarh, where Congress MLA Ashok Arora and Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa engaged in a heated exchange captured on camera. Arora alleged that the BJP was using money power to undermine a Dalit candidate, a claim vehemently contested by Gangwa. Meanwhile, Bedi commented that the Congress lacks faith in both the Returning Officer and its own MLAs.
Background and Implications
Pankaj Aggarwal previously served as the Chief Electoral Officer during the October 2024 Haryana Legislative Assembly election, adding a layer of scrutiny to his current role. The Rajya Sabha poll, crucial for political representation, has become a flashpoint in Haryana's volatile political landscape, with both parties trading accusations of misconduct.
As the counting process awaited, the atmosphere remained charged, reflecting the high stakes involved. The ECI's decision on these complaints could significantly impact the election outcome and future electoral conduct in the state.
