Delhi HC Seeks Response from Bansuri Swaraj on Somnath Bharti's Plea

Delhi HC Seeks Response from Bansuri Swaraj on 

Somnath Bharti's Plea


The Delhi High Court has recently directed BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj to respond to a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti, challenging her victory in the New Delhi constituency Lok Sabha elections. The plea alleges 'corrupt practices' in the election process.


Court Orders Removal of BSP Candidate from Case


The court has also ordered the removal of Raaj Kumar Anand, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate, from the list of respondents. Somnath Bharti had alleged that Anand was used by the BJP to siphon votes away from him. However, the court found that Anand, who received only 5,269 votes, had no substantial impact on the election outcome. His name was removed from the case due to lack of valid cause of action.


Returning Officer's Role and EVMs/VVPATs


Another point of contention was the involvement of the Returning Officer, who argued that they were not a necessary party in the case. The court has scheduled a hearing to address issues related to the release of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) during the petition’s pendency.


Election Dispute Background


Somnath Bharti’s petition contests the outcome of the May 25, 2024, Lok Sabha elections, where Bansuri Swaraj was declared the winner. Bharti secured 3,74,815 votes compared to Swaraj’s 4,53,185. The plea alleges that Anand, initially an AAP minister, was strategically placed by Swaraj’s party to affect Bharti’s vote share. Anand’s sudden resignation from AAP and subsequent joining of the BJP is cited as evidence of this alleged strategy. 


Allegations of Corrupt Practices


The petition further alleges that BJP workers engaged in vote-buying and religiously charged campaigning. Bharti claims that BJP workers were distributing money and materials while cross-checking electoral rolls, and that Swaraj’s speeches were designed to influence voters along religious lines.


Next Steps


Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora has issued a notice to Bansuri Swaraj, directing her to file a response within 30 days. The court's decision will have significant implications for the ongoing election dispute.

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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