Abhishek Manu Singhvi Challenges Rajya Sabha Election Outcome in Himachal HC

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has moved the Himachal Pradesh High Court to challenge his defeat in the Rajya Sabha election, where BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan emerged victorious through a draw of lots. Singhvi contests the interpretation of draw of lots rules by the poll officer, arguing that there is no legal basis for declaring the person whose name is drawn as the loser.

Despite the Congress’s numerical advantage in the Assembly, both candidates secured 34 votes each, leading to a tie. Singhvi criticizes the procedure followed, stating that it contradicts common sense and traditional practices worldwide. He highlights the need for the High Court to rectify the erroneous outcome, emphasizing the unusual requirement for his personal presence to file the petition. The election defeat has led to internal turmoil within the Congress in Himachal Pradesh.