Chandigarh Mayor Election Saga: A Timeline of Controversy and Reversal
The Chandigarh mayoral election, held on January 30, 2024, has been a story of unexpected twists, accusations, and finally, a dramatic conclusion. Let's delve into the timeline of events that left everyone on edge:
January 18, 2024:
January 20, 2024:
January 24, 2024:
January 30, 2024:
January 31, 2024:
February 1, 2024:
February 2, 2024:
February 8, 2024:
February 13, 2024:
February 16, 2024:
February 19, 2024:
February 20, 2024:
February 21, 2024:
This rollercoaster ride of a mayoral election underscores the importance of free and fair electoral processes and highlights the crucial role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy. The Chandigarh saga serves as a reminder that vigilance, legal recourse, and the pursuit of truth can prevail even in the face of alleged manipulation.
Additional Notes:
The Chandigarh mayoral election, held on January 30, 2024, has been a story of unexpected twists, accusations, and finally, a dramatic conclusion. Let's delve into the timeline of events that left everyone on edge:
January 18, 2024:
- Scheduled mayoral election postponed at the last minute due to the presiding officer, Anil Masih, claiming illness. This raised eyebrows, given the proximity to the polls.
January 20, 2024:
- UT administration proposes rescheduling the election to February 6th, creating further suspicion of maneuvering.
January 24, 2024:
- AAP candidate Kuldeep Tita challenges the postponement in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, leading to a rescheduled election date of January 30th.
January 30, 2024:
- Election day arrives, and despite initial smoothness, controversy erupts as Anil Masih declares eight votes from the AAP-Congress alliance invalid, swinging the victory in favor of BJP candidate Sarabjit Kaur Sonkar (16 votes to 12).
January 31, 2024:
- AAP and Congress allege tampering and misconduct by Masih, highlighting inconsistencies in his actions and raising questions about his neutrality.
February 1, 2024:
- Both parties approach the High Court, raising concerns about the invalidated votes and demanding re-election.
February 2, 2024:
- High Court reserves judgment, leaving the political climate charged with anticipation.
February 8, 2024:
- High Court upholds the election results, leaving AAP and Congress aggrieved and determined to seek further legal recourse.
February 13, 2024:
- Both parties appeal to the Supreme Court, claiming blatant manipulation and urging intervention.
February 16, 2024:
- Supreme Court takes up the case, expressing serious concerns over the conduct of the election and the invalidated votes.
February 19, 2024:
- After reviewing video evidence and scrutinizing ballot papers, the Supreme Court delivers a landmark verdict.
February 20, 2024:
- The apex court declares the earlier results "unlawful" and nullifies them. It finds Anil Masih guilty of misconduct and orders his prosecution.
- Notably, the Court does not order a re-election but instead, based on a meticulous examination of valid votes, declares AAP-Congress candidate Kuldeep Kumar the rightful winner.
February 21, 2024:
- Following the Supreme Court's verdict, Sarabjit Kaur Sonkar resigns as the mayor, paving the way for Kuldeep Kumar to take office.
This rollercoaster ride of a mayoral election underscores the importance of free and fair electoral processes and highlights the crucial role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy. The Chandigarh saga serves as a reminder that vigilance, legal recourse, and the pursuit of truth can prevail even in the face of alleged manipulation.
Additional Notes:
- This timeline focuses on key events without going into intricate legal arguments or specific accusations against individuals.
- It's important to acknowledge that different parties have varying perspectives on the events, and ongoing investigations may reveal further details.
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