New Delhi: After his defeat in the Rajya Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Saturday filed an application in the high court. Singhvi is contesting the interpretation of draw of lots rules employed by the election officer. The contest ended in a tie, with both Singhvi and BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan securing 34 votes each.
"There is nothing in the law, neither in the act nor in the rules which compels an interpretation which requires that the person whose name is drawn in the draw of lots is a loser", Singhvi told PTI after filing his petition in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Despite Congress holding an advantage with 40 members and the support of three Independents in the assembly, the Rajya Sabha election in Himachal Pradesh ended in a tie, with both candidates securing 34 votes each. BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan emerged victorious through a draw of lots, a decision contested by Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
Singhvi criticised the procedure followed by the election officer, stating that it defies common sense and tradition for the person whose name is drawn to be declared the loser. Singhvi expressed confidence that if their contentions are upheld by the high court, the declared result would be deemed incorrect. He highlighted the unusual procedure mandating the petitioner's presence to file the election petition, explaining his personal appearance in court.
The Congress party in the state found itself in turmoil following its defeat in the Rajya Sabha election. A former Election Commission functionary had explained after the February 27 election that the key difference in the draw of lots in both elections is that in Rajya Sabha elections, the candidate whose slip is drawn loses the poll, whereas in the Lok Sabha polls, the candidate whose slip is drawn wins.