Haryana Congress Disciplinary Committee Summons Five MLAs Over Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting Allegations
The political suspense in Haryana thickens as the disciplinary committee of the Haryana Congress has officially summoned five of its MLAs to the party headquarters in Chandigarh on April 3. These legislators are accused of cross-voting during the crucial March 16 Rajya Sabha election, and they are required to provide further explanations regarding their actions.
Congress Legislative Party Meeting Excludes Accused MLAs
This development emerged on Monday following a meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) held in New Delhi. Notably, none of the five accused MLAs received an invitation to attend this gathering. Haryana Congress president Rao Narender Singh confirmed this exclusion, highlighting the party's serious stance on the matter.
The meeting saw attendance from thirty out of the thirty-two invited lawmakers. Additionally, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Karamveer Baudh was present. However, MLAs Pooja Chaudhary and Vinesh Phogat could not participate due to pre-scheduled assignments, as per party sources.
Party Leaders Address Media and Announce ECI Complaint
After the CLP meeting, Rao Narender Singh and CLP leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda jointly addressed the media. Hooda stated, "Rajya Sabha MP Karamveer Baudh expressed gratitude towards all present there. We have prepared a presentation-cum-complaint to file before the Election Commission of India (ECI) against returning officer Pankaj Aggarwal, who illegally declared four Congress votes invalid."
Regarding the disciplinary action against the five MLAs, Rao Narender Singh elaborated, "So far as action against the five MLAs is concerned, the disciplinary committee is working on it, and has fixed April 3 as the date of hearing for those who submitted their replies. Action will follow as per party constitution." This underscores the procedural approach being taken, with hearings scheduled for next week.
Mixed Responses from Accused MLAs
The five MLAs in question have shown varied reactions to the allegations:
- Shalley Chaudhary, Renu Bala, and Jarnail Singh have reiterated their loyalty towards the Congress party, attempting to clear their names.
- In contrast, Mohd Israil has admitted to cross-voting, citing dissatisfaction with the candidature of Karamveer Baudh. He stated he "did not like" Baudh's nomination.
- Mohad Iliyas has struck a defiant stand, having already met with Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. This move has sparked intense speculation that he may be considering switching political camps, adding to the intrigue surrounding the case.
The situation remains fluid as the April 3 hearing approaches, with potential implications for party discipline and future political alignments in Haryana.
