In a major development, the Congress has issued show-cause notices to 4 of its MLAs in Haryana for voting in favour of BJP-backed independent candidate Satish Nandal during the recent Rajya Sabha election held on Monday (16th March).
Haryana Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated, “There were a total of five MLAs who cross-voted. The action against the fifth MLA will be taken soon. I have sent a report to the high command. The final action against all of them will be decided by the high command.”
The legislators include Shalley Chaudhary, Renu Bala, Mohammad Ilyas and Mohammad Israil.
According to reports, the disciplinary committee of the Congress party issued the show-cause notices on Wednesday (18th March) and asked them to respond in 7 days.
In a statement, chairman Dharampal Malik, said “It has been brought to the notice of the party leadership that during the Rajya Sabha election on March 16, you have allegedly cast your vote in a manner contrary to the prescribed procedure and the official direction issued by the party, resulting in the cancellation/invalidity of your vote.”
Shalley Chaudhary is a 2-time MLA from Naraingarh constituency while Renu Bala has won twice from Sadhaura seat. Mohammad Ilyas is a 5-time MLA. Mohammad Israil is a first-time MLA from Hathin constituency.
“It added, “The aforesaid act, if established, appears to be a deliberate deviation intended to defeat the party’s official position and constitutes a serious breach of party discipline. Such conduct amounts to anti-party activities and undermines the unity, integrity and ideological commitments of the party. It is also in clear violation of the party constitution, rules and established norms,” it concluded.
The four MLAs have been asked to respond in seven days. In case no reply is received within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that they have no explanation to offer, and the party will proceed ex parte.
