Subash Jindal/Chandigarh
The victory of Congress candidate Manish Tewari in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has been challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by his rival, BJP candidate Sanjay Tandon. The controversy revolves around the Chandigarh constituency, where Tewari emerged winner by a narrow margin of 2,504 votes.
In a petition filed under various sections of the Representation of People Act, 1951, Tandon has accused Tewari of engaging in corrupt practices during the election. According to the petition, Tewari was previously reprimanded by the Returning Officer for similar actions. Despite this, allegations and reports suggested that Tewari and his supporters continued to engage in activities undermining the electoral process.
The petition seeks to annul Tewari's election and to declare Sanjay Tandon as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Chandigarh. It also accuses Tewari, along with the Indian National Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, of making misleading promises, including offering financial incentives and job guarantees to voters.
These actions, which purportedly included the misuse of the national emblem in campaign endorsements, are cited as violations under various Sections of the RP Act. Such corrupt practices are grounds for setting aside his election under Section 100 and 101 read with Section 123 of the RP Act, said the prayer.
The matter was presented by Advocate Chetan Mittal, Ashu M Punchhi and Satyam Tandon, and the court has issued a notice of motion on August 7. The next hearing is scheduled for September 9, 2024.
