BJP councillor’s election challenged

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, February 22

The local Election Tribunal has issued a notice to BJP councillor from Ward No. 1 Narinder Pal Singh Lubana over a petition filed by losing candidate Sukhdev Singh to set aside his election.

The petitioner, through his counsel Vishal Garg Narwana, has contended before the court that Lubana’s election should be declared null and void because his name was not on the electoral rolls of Panchkula Legislative Assembly, which is a requirement to contest the elections under the Representation of People Act and the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act.

“Lubana actually resides in Chandigarh’s Kishangarh and also has a vote in the electoral rolls of MP constituency of Chandigarh,” the petition reads.

In his petition, Sukhdev has also alleged that Lubana got prepared his illegal vote with the help and support of the Haryana Speaker and sitting MLA from Panchkula, Gian Chand Gupta, and his nomination papers were improperly and illegally accepted by the returning officer.

“Hence, his election as councillor from Ward Number 1 should be declared null and void,” said Garg.

Lubana defeated Sukhdev by a narrow margin of 49 votes. Lubana polled 1,673 votes while Sukhdev got 1,624 votes. The next date of hearing in the case is March 3.