Khattar’s election challenged in HC
CHANDIGARH: The election of Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar from Karnal assembly segment in October 2019 polls has been challenged before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The petitioner, Ramesh Khatri, a Sonepat resident who had contested as an Independent candidate, has demanded Khattar’s election be declared null and void and six years’ ban be imposed on him.
The petition has mainly been filed seeking disqualification on the ground of allegedly undervaluing the expenses incurred during Khattar’s campaign. There was a ceiling of ₹28 lakh.
It has been alleged that government machinery was used to ensure Khattar’s victory.
He claimed that four offices were opened and 5,000 people employed for his campaign, but those expenses have not been included in the details given to Election Commission of India.
Reference has also been made to campaign by various leaders and some rallies by Khattar himself, for which, it has been alleged that exact expense
THE PETITIONER HAD CONTESTED AS AN INDEPENDENT IN OCTOBER POLLS; SAYS THE EXPENDITURE INCURRED DURING KHATTAR’S CAMPAIGN WAS UNDERVALUED
details were not submitted.
The matter was taken up by the HC bench of justice Jaishree Thakur, which posted the matter for March 27.
Advocate general BR Mahajan and additional advocate general Deepak Sabharwal had appeared for the state and Khattar and sought time from the court to file replies.