Panchkula, March 20: Haryana Congress MLA Shaili Chaudhary has responded to a showcause notice regarding cross voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, claiming she has been targeted by the party for years. Chaudhary alleged that her name was brought up to protect others within the party.
The Congress party issued notices to several MLAs, including Chaudhary from Narayangarh, Mohammad Ilyas from Punhana, Mohammad Israel from Hathin, Renu Bala from Sadhaura, and Jarnail Singh from Ratia, concerning the cross voting issue.
In an interview with a news agency, Chaudhary stated that the allegations against her are baseless. “We voted in favor of the Congress candidate. Nine votes were invalidated, yet only a few names are being targeted,” she remarked, questioning why others were not named in the allegations.
Chaudhary mentioned that they have been asked to respond within a week and will do so, affirming their loyalty to the party. “Those who actually engaged in cross voting should face action,” she added.
Responding to accusations from Geeta Bhukkal, Chaudhary challenged her claims, asking how Bhukkal could assert that she spoiled her vote without being present during the voting process.
She further challenged anyone to prove that she or her associates had contacted the Chief Minister, stating that if proven, she would leave politics. Chaudhary expressed her family’s distress over the situation, emphasizing that they have been targeted for years.
She also highlighted that during the voting process, BJP members opposed her vote, raising questions about their motives. “The public knows me well and stands by me,” she concluded.
Chaudhary acknowledged factionalism within the Congress party, stating that it has hindered the formation of a Congress government in Haryana. “If there were no factions, Congress would have been in power in 2024,” she asserted.