Third Congress MLA Renu Bala Denies Cross-Voting Allegations in Rajya Sabha Election
Chandigarh: In the ongoing controversy surrounding the recent Rajya Sabha elections, Congress MLA Renu Bala has become the third legislator to be showcaused by the party for alleged cross-voting. Following similar notices to Shalley Chaudhary and Jarnail Singh, Bala has firmly asserted that she voted for the Congress candidate Karamveer Boudh.
MLA's Firm Denial and Response
A loyalist of Sirsa MP and former Union minister Selja Kumari, Renu Bala stated on Saturday that she had submitted her detailed reply to Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) chief Dharampal Malik the previous day. "I am loyal to the party and have voted for our party candidate," declared Bala. "I have submitted a detailed reply, which includes the reason why I have been singled out."
When questioned about why she received the showcause notice, the MLA responded pointedly: "They know it better, ask them." This statement reflects the growing tension within the party ranks following the closely contested election.
Disciplinary Committee to Review Responses
The HPCC discipline committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to examine the replies submitted by the three MLAs, all of whom have reaffirmed their loyalty to the party. The legislators under scrutiny include:
- Shalley Chaudhary from Naraingarh constituency
- Jarnail Singh from Ratia constituency
- Renu Bala from Sadhaura constituency
Meanwhile, two other Congress MLAs – Mohad Iliyas and Mohd Israil – have adopted a defiant stance. Israil has openly admitted to cross-voting, citing dissatisfaction with Boudh's candidature, while Iliyas met with Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday, further complicating the political landscape.
The Nail-Biting Election Outcome
The March 16 Rajya Sabha election proved to be exceptionally contentious, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final moments. Despite Congress having sufficient numbers to secure Boudh's victory, the election became a dramatic contest that went down to the wire.
Congress candidate Karamveer Boudh ultimately won by the narrowest of margins, but the party lost nine crucial votes during the process. Five votes were allegedly lost to cross-voting, while four were invalidated. Had just one additional Congress vote been lost, BJP-backed independent candidate Satish Nandal would have achieved a stunning upset victory.
Congress Alleges Electoral Irregularities
The Congress party has raised serious concerns about the election process, alleging that their votes were deliberately invalidated to manipulate the numbers in favor of the BJP. The party has formally sought action against returning officer Pankaj Aggarwal, claiming that the invalidations were orchestrated to "contrive the numbers in favour of BJP."
This controversy has exposed significant internal divisions within the Congress party in Haryana, while simultaneously highlighting the intense political competition between Congress and BJP in the state. The disciplinary committee's upcoming meeting on Monday will be crucial in determining how the party addresses these allegations and maintains unity among its legislators.
