February 20 2024 : In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court declared AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the Mayor of Chandigarh after the mayoral election controversy. This decision comes after a prolonged legal battle following allegations of irregularities in the counting process.
The apex court’s ruling on Tuesday marked a victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after a tumultuous electoral process. The court ordered a recount of the ballots, including the eight votes previously invalidated, which were later deemed valid.
Reaction from Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and a key figure in the AAP, expressed gratitude towards the Supreme Court for upholding democracy in these challenging times. He emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of democratic institutions.
“Kuldeep Kumar, hailing from a humble background, has been elected as the Mayor of Chandigarh through the INDIA alliance. Congratulations! This was made possible solely due to the Indian democracy and the honorable Supreme Court,” tweeted Kejriwal.
The controversy erupted when the Returning Officer invalidated eight votes during the mayoral election, leading to accusations of foul play. AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, alleging mishandling of ballots and misconduct by election officials.
The Supreme Court’s intervention has brought clarity to the Chandigarh mayoral election, ensuring a fair outcome and upholding democratic principles. As the city prepares to welcome its new mayor, the verdict stands as a testament to the resilience of India’s democratic processes.
