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This is an archive article published on June 5, 2024
BJP seeks recount of few EVMs, delays official announcement in Chandigarh
Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, however, said that “no recount was required as the BJP candidate was shown all election documents and he was satisfied”.
3 min read
Congress and AAP workers protest outside counting hall as BJP seeks recount of few EVMs that delayed the official announcement of Tewari's win. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)Even as the result of the 15th and final round was clear and uploaded by 3.20 pm with INDIA bloc candidate Manish Tewari leading with a margin of 2,504 votes against BJP official candidate Sanjay Tandon, the former’s official win announcement was delayed by almost over four hours as agitated BJP supporters pressed for a recount of few EVMs. However, this was followed by protests by Congress and AAP workers as well who had gathered outside the counting centre raising slogans of “Anil Masih ka intezar band karo….result ko nikaalo”.
Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, however, said that “no recount was required as the BJP candidate was shown all election documents and he was satisfied”.
While speaking to The Indian Express, DC Vinay Pratap said, “Election process was completed by 4:30 pm with counting of slips of five randomly selected VVPATs. Thereafter, a representation was received from Sanjay Tandon for recount of few EVMs. He was shown all election documents and counting process was duly explained to him. On this, he expressed his satisfaction and recount was not required. Thereafter, election result was issued.”
Sources said that the BJP even called a “battery of lawyers as objection was filed” that delayed the issuing of certificate to Tewari. But Tewari, who himself is a Supreme Court lawyer, too legally spoke on each of the points the BJP put forward.
Meanwhile, Congress’s councillor Gurpreet Singh who was leading the protest outside raised slogans, “Anil Masih na aayega, result kab nikala jayega”.
As Congress and AAP supporters had already gathered outside the venue, uncertainty still persisted on the declaration of the result.
“Maybe the BJP wanted to buy time, so that the recounting is done and they can do a repeat of the mayoral polls. But this is not mayoral polls. It’s a big election which even the world is watching. Their frivolous objections seeking a recount didn’t yield results as the officers showed them all the documents. And why suddenly the thought of recount after having got to know that they are losing?” Gurpreet Singh alleged.
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At 7 pm, the BJP workers began saying “that recount may be ordered”.
But after a few minutes, around 7.30 pm, Tewari was officially announced as the winning candidate. And he was issued the certificate.
After coming out of the counting room, BJP’s Tandon told media persons, “I had certain objections before the returning officer which they sorted out. I accept the mandate of the people. I will continue to serve the people of Chandigarh selflessly, which I have been doing for the last over two decades. I assure I will always be at the service of city people and will help in resolving their issues.”
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