SRINAGAR: A petition has been filed in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh challenging the election victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Balwant Singh Mankotia from the Chenani constituency in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The plea was submitted by Harsh Dev Singh, former Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister and leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party, Bar & Bench reported.
Singh, who lost the election to Mankotia by a margin of 15,611 votes, has accused the BJP leader of engaging in corrupt practices during the election campaign. Allegations include bribery of voters through cash, liquor, and distribution of items such as sarees, suits, umbrellas, and t-shirts, among other inducements. Singh claims these actions vitiated the election process, making it unprecedented in terms of corruption.
In his petition, Singh has prayed for Mankotia’s election to be declared void and for himself to be recognised as the duly elected candidate for the Chenani constituency. The plea also highlights alleged use of religion and dissemination of false information as part of the BJP leader’s campaign strategy.
On November 28, Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued notices to Mankotia, the Election Commission of India, the chief electoral officer, the Jammu and Kashmir government, and other relevant parties, including the Home Department and the returning officer of the Chenani constituency. Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli accepted the notice on behalf of the government, while Advocate Aseem Kumar Sawhney appeared for Harsh Dev Singh.
The case is set to be heard next on March 11, 2025.
