The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition requesting re-election for 20 assembly seats in Haryana and also declined to stop the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The petition, filed on Wednesday, claimed there were discrepancies and suspicious results regarding the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the elections. Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, noted that the court could impose penalties for such requests and mentioned that the matter could be addressed at a later date.
In addition, the Congress party expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the Haryana assembly elections. They raised concerns about the election process in a formal complaint to the Election Commission, particularly regarding the charged status of EVM batteries during the counting process on October 8. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on social media, stating, “Carrying forward the memorandum submitted to the Election Commission on October 9, we have now submitted a memorandum highlighting serious and blatant irregularities in the election process in 20 assembly constituencies in Haryana. We hope the Election Commission will take note and issue appropriate directions.”
The assembly constituencies in question include Narnaul, Karnal, Dabwali, Rewari, Hodal (SC), Kalka, Panipat City, Indri, Badkhal, Faridabad NIT, Nalwa, Rania, Pataudi (SC), Palwal, Ballabhgarh, Barwala, Uchana Kalan, Gharaunda, Kosli, and Badshahpur.
In summary, in the Haryana assembly elections, the BJP secured 48 seats, while Congress won 37. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and independent candidates obtained two and three seats, respectively, with the BJP achieving an absolute majority. Nayab Saini won from the Ladwa constituency.