Maharashtra assembly polls to influence country's political landscape: Satya Pal Malik
Mumbai, Sep 21: Satya Pal Malik, the last governor of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, said on Saturday that the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra will significantly influence the political landscape of the country.
Speaking at a civil society event in Mumbai, Malik, who played a crucial role in the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, asserted that the results of the Maharashtra polls would serve as "the last nail in the BJP's coffin."
Malik's remarks came during an event attended by notable political figures, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Samajwadi Party's Abu Azmi.
"Maharashtra will give direction to the country (after the assembly polls)," Malik said.
He criticised the central government for delaying elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, suggesting it stemmed from fears of losing to opposition parties.
In his analysis of the political dynamics, Malik predicted that Congress could secure around 60 seats in Haryana, while the BJP might only achieve about 20.
Furthermore, Malik reiterated his call for a comprehensive investigation into the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.
"I demand a probe into the Pulwama attack to reveal how our soldiers died and who was responsible. Not a single individual has faced consequences for this tragedy," he stated.
Malik, who has served as governor in five different states, claimed he faced harassment from the central government, noting he was transferred five times during his tenure.
He alleged that his security was withdrawn despite threats and that he was denied accommodation. Additionally, he accused the government of misusing central agencies against him.
A vocal critic of the current administration, Malik remarked that the BJP politicised the Pulwama incident from the third day after the attack, urging voters to remember the martyrs while casting their ballots.
The BJP has contested Malik's assertions, arguing that he had the authority to act during his governorship, which lasted from February to October of that year.
Malik also expressed his concerns regarding the government's handling of the farmers' protests near Delhi, claiming he was prepared to resign over the issue but was dissuaded by a Union Minister.
He criticised the government for failing to implement the promised Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, raising alarm about the ongoing struggles faced by the agricultural community.
As Maharashtra gears up for its assembly elections, Malik's statements signal the heightened political tensions and the stakes involved for all parties.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
