"Black Day For Democracy": Bhagwant Mann Following Defeat in Chandigarh Key Poll

According to Bhagwant Mann, today will be known as Black Day for democracy. (File)

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that the day will be regarded as Black Day for the nation's democracy on Tuesday, accusing candidates of "cheating" in the city's mayoral elections. His response followed the BJP's resounding victory over the Congress-AAP combination in the Chandigarh municipal elections, which saw it win all three positions, including mayor.

Mr. Mann remarked that he is now concerned that individuals who engaged in "cheating" may participate in the parliamentary elections to any degree.

"This day will be remembered as Black Day for our country's democracy," 

In the mayoral election, Manoj Sonkar of the BJP defeated Kuldeep Kumar of the AAP, receiving 16 votes to Kumar's 12 votes. There were eight invalid votes.

As soon as the results were revealed, Chandigarh's council members from the AAP and Congress, two of the INDIA bloc parties, protested.

The chief minister of Punjab charged that Anil Masih, the presiding officer, had tampered with certain ballots during the counting process, making them invalid. He further claimed that the invalid ballots tipped the odds in favour of the BJP candidate.

This occurred a few days ago as we observed Republic Day. The Constitution has now been trampled, according to the polls. I will state that the BJP stole the mayoral elections.

Bhagwant Mann, "Black Day For Democracy" Following the Chandigarh Key Poll Loss

According to Bhagwant Mann, today will be known as Black Day for democracy. (File)

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that the day will be regarded as Black Day for the nation's democracy on Tuesday, accusing candidates of "cheating" in the city's mayoral elections. His response followed the BJP's resounding victory over the Congress-AAP combination in the Chandigarh municipal elections, which saw it win all three positions, including mayor.

Mr. Mann remarked that he is now concerned that individuals who engaged in "cheating" may participate in the parliamentary elections to any degree.

"This will go down as Black Day for our nation's democracy," Mr. Mann declared during a Chandigarh press conference.