Chandigarh: House meeting called off after ruckus over remarks against Anil Masih

Chandigarh, July 9

The House meeting was called off abruptly amid arguments between councillors of AAP and the BJP over remarks made about Anil Masih, a nominated councillor, who had tampered with votes during the mayor’s election.

A discussion was going on to declare the city a “7 star garbage-free city” but it took a turn when Anil Masih, attending the House for the first time since the mayoral elections, offered suggestions on cleanliness in the city. AAP councillor Manaur interrupted Masih, questioning his credibility by mentioning statements allegedly made by Masih in the Supreme Court regarding his mental fitness.

The remarks sparked immediate opposition from BJP councillors, who condemned it as a personal attack and demanded an apology from Manaur.

AAP councillors, however, stood firm in refusing to retract the remarks or issue an apology. Mayor Kuldeep Kumar intervened, suggesting that Masih should first apologise for purportedly undermining democracy during the mayoral polls.

The Mayor’s comment further escalated tensions, prompting BJP and nominated councillors to gather in protest within the House. Despite attempts to calm the situation, marshals were called in by the Mayor to remove the BJP councillors, who resisted eviction by holding onto each other. Amidst the chaos, the mayor decided to adjourn the House session prematurely.

“The matter concerning Anil Masih’s role in the mayoral polls is sub judice, and he will give an apology only if he is found guilty, but Manaur and AAP councillors should apologise for their personal attack,” remarked Saurabh Joshi and fellow BJP councillor Kanwarjit Singh Rana.

Anil Masih, who was appointed returning officer for the mayor’s elections earlier this year, had deliberately invalidated eight ballots. His action was captured on camera.

No action against Masih despite SC order

The Supreme Court had ordered to prosecute Anil Masih for “misdemeanour” after finding faults in the conduct of the mayoral election on January 30. The SC had observed that Masih must be held accountable for lying before the court. The court noted that all invalidated eight ballots, which were tampered with during the counting, had votes cast in favour of AAP mayoral candidate Kuldeep Kumar. Despite directions of the apex court, no action was initiated against him and he attended the proceedings of the MC House on Tuesday.