GHAZIABAD, July 21, 2024: The Ghaziabad Bar Association’s election for the post of Secretary has been engulfed in controversy, causing significant unrest among its members. Despite the Election Coordinator and outgoing Secretary Sneh Tyagi announcing a re-polling on July 25, the top vote-getter, Harendra Gautam, continues to protest the decision, leading to widespread confusion and speculation.
Ghaziabad Bar Association Election Main Points
- Election Announcement: Re-polling scheduled for July 25 after the agreement from all secretary candidates.
- Protest: Harendra Gautam, who secured the most votes, maintains his protest against the re-polling.
- Viral Letters: Conflicting communications from Bar Association officials add to the confusion.
- Vote Discrepancy: Two extra ballots found during counting create uncertainty.
- Complaint Filed: Harendra Gautam lodges a complaint with the Bar Council of India.
Ghaziabad Bar Association Election Confusion
The announcement for re-polling came from Sneh Tyagi, following consent from the three candidates: Harendra Gautam, Amit Nehra, and Varun Tyagi. Despite this, Harendra Gautam, who received the highest number of votes (892), continued his protest, arguing that the re-polling decision was unjust.
Adding to the confusion were two contradictory letters that surfaced on social media. One letter, issued on the Bar Association’s letterhead and signed by Sneh Tyagi and Executive President Mridula Rai Tyagi, detailed the re-polling schedule. The other, a handwritten note also bearing Mridula Rai Tyagi’s signature, stated no knowledge of the re-polling announcement, further complicating the situation.
Ghaziabad Bar Association Counting Discrepancies
The vote counting process revealed a significant discrepancy. While a total of 2,553 votes were cast, the count revealed 2,555 ballots, leaving a gap that has fueled controversy. Harendra Gautam led with 892 votes, Amit Nehra followed with 891 votes, and Varun Tyagi received 754 votes, with 18 votes canceled. The discovery of two extra ballots has led to questions and doubts about the election’s integrity.
Gautam’s Stand and Complaint
Harendra Gautam has remained steadfast in his protest, sitting on a dharna outside the bar auditorium. He has formally complained to the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh and the Bar Council of India, asserting his victory based on the highest vote count. Gautam claims that advocates from nearby districts support him, emphasizing the broader backing for his position.
The Ghaziabad Bar Association elections have historically been contentious, but the current situation is particularly notable due to the discrepancies in vote counting and conflicting official communications.
The controversy in Ghaziabad highlights the need for transparency and accuracy in bar association elections. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar disputes are managed in the future, emphasizing the importance of trust in electoral processes.
The Ghaziabad Bar Association’s Secretary election remains unresolved amid ongoing protests and controversies. With re-polling scheduled and formal complaints filed, the legal community awaits a clear resolution to restore confidence in the election process.
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