The Congress hailed the Supreme Court's intervention in the contentious Chandigarh mayoral election, labeling it as a crucial step towards safeguarding Indian democracy. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal condemned the election process as a "complete farce," emphasizing the significance of the court's decision in unveiling the truth behind the flawed electoral procedure.

Venugopal underscored the Congress party's persistent efforts over four months to engage with the Election Commission on the issue of ensuring complete VVPAT counting. However, he lamented the lack of response from the Election Commission, urging swift action to restore public trust in the democratic process.

The Supreme Court, in its ruling, directed a recount of votes in the disputed mayoral election in Chandigarh and instructed the declaration of results, taking into account eight defaced ballots deemed invalid by the returning officer. Additionally, the court ordered the prosecution of the returning officer, Anil Masih, for misconduct.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) echoed the sentiment, characterizing the Supreme Court's decision as a significant victory for democracy. AAP representatives demanded an apology from BJP leaders for their alleged dishonesty during the election campaign. They highlighted the court's directive to recount votes, including the consideration of defaced ballots, as a substantial blow to BJP's integrity.

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the BJP, asserting that the court's ruling had exposed the party's unethical practices. He called upon BJP leaders to apologize to the nation, questioning their integrity and warning against potential electoral malpractices in the absence of stringent oversight.

Bharadwaj expressed grave concerns over the implications of electoral misconduct in a relatively minor election like the Chandigarh mayoral polls. He raised apprehensions about BJP's conduct in larger-scale elections where surveillance measures might be less stringent, highlighting the need for enhanced vigilance to prevent electoral fraud.

Overall, both the Congress and AAP welcomed the Supreme Court's intervention as a pivotal step towards upholding the integrity of democratic processes and ensuring transparency in electoral proceedings. They emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for electoral malpractices and restoring public confidence in the electoral system.

The Congress hailed the Supreme Court's intervention in the contentious Chandigarh mayoral election, labeling it as a crucial step towards safeguarding Indian democracy. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal condemned the election process as a "complete farce," emphasizing the significance of the court's decision in unveiling the truth behind the flawed electoral procedure.

Venugopal underscored the Congress party's persistent efforts over four months to engage with the Election Commission on the issue of ensuring complete VVPAT counting. However, he lamented the lack of response from the Election Commission, urging swift action to restore public trust in the democratic process.

The Supreme Court, in its ruling, directed a recount of votes in the disputed mayoral election in Chandigarh and instructed the declaration of results, taking into account eight defaced ballots deemed invalid by the returning officer. Additionally, the court ordered the prosecution of the returning officer, Anil Masih, for misconduct.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) echoed the sentiment, characterizing the Supreme Court's decision as a significant victory for democracy. AAP representatives demanded an apology from BJP leaders for their alleged dishonesty during the election campaign. They highlighted the court's directive to recount votes, including the consideration of defaced ballots, as a substantial blow to BJP's integrity.

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the BJP, asserting that the court's ruling had exposed the party's unethical practices. He called upon BJP leaders to apologize to the nation, questioning their integrity and warning against potential electoral malpractices in the absence of stringent oversight.

Bharadwaj expressed grave concerns over the implications of electoral misconduct in a relatively minor election like the Chandigarh mayoral polls. He raised apprehensions about BJP's conduct in larger-scale elections where surveillance measures might be less stringent, highlighting the need for enhanced vigilance to prevent electoral fraud.

Overall, both the Congress and AAP welcomed the Supreme Court's intervention as a pivotal step towards upholding the integrity of democratic processes and ensuring transparency in electoral proceedings. They emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for electoral malpractices and restoring public confidence in the electoral system.