BJP MLAs hold mock polling session ahead of RS elections

Chandigarh: With the elections to the two seats of Rajya Sabha just two days away, BJP MLAs and independent MLAs on Saturday attended a five-hour-long mock polling session.Notably, this is a two-day mission being organised by BJP to ensure victory for their official nominee and former MP Sanjay Bhatia. According to sources, the MLAs also received training on how to vote for independent MLA Satish Nandal. It may be recalled that Nandal filed nomination papers after getting recommendations from independent and BJP MLAs. He is likely to contest against Congress nominee Karamveer Baudh, who is reportedly being supported by 37 MLAs.According to information, the MLAs arrived in Chandigarh on Friday to attend a day-long training session at Panch Kamal, while on Saturday they reassembled at a private hotel in Chandigarh for the training session.BJP officials informed that the subject experts, who included former law officers and former officers of the assembly who have experience of polling, gave technical training to MLAs about the do's and don'ts of polling.From the procedure of how to procure a ballot paper and how to vote, the MLAs were informed about how to exhibit their vote to the polling agent of the party before putting it in the ballot box. Besides, the MLAs were cautioned against being negligent in marking their vote and told to follow the instructions.It may be recalled that the Haryana assembly is a 90-member House. The Rajya Sabha election for two seats was necessitated as the term of two MPs, Ram Chander Jangra and Kiran Chaudhary, is ending in April.Each candidate seeking nomination as a Rajya Sabha MP is mandatorily required to secure 31 votes of MLAs to be elected.In the House, BJP is the largest party with 48 MLAs, and they have support of three independent MLAs. While Congress has 37 MLAs, two MLAs are of INLD, who are yet to announce their stand.The independent candidate is looking forward to cross-voting or support by Congress MLAs. Apprehending cross-voting and a Himachal election-like situation, Congress packed off the MLAs to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.Krishan Bedi appointed election agent The BJP appointed minister Krishan Bedi as election agent, while cabinet minister Ranbir Singh Gangwa and MLA Yogender Rana will act as counting agents for the Haryana Rajya Sabha elections to be held on Monday. Sports minister Gaurav Gautam and MLA Sunil Sangwan were given responsibility as party representative and party agent. BJP appointed Chetan Mittal and Ghanshyam as counting agents; the appointments were made for both the candidates. MSID:: 129576375 413 |