Haryana cross-voting row: Congress issues notice to fifth MLA Jarnail Singh

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Haryana Rajya Sabha election cross-voting controversy has deepened as the Congress has identified its fifth MLA allegedly involved in the matter. Jarnail Singh, MLA from Ratia (Fatehabad), has now been served a notice by the party’s disciplinary committee.

Notice seeks reply within 7 days

The notice, confirmed by disciplinary committee member secretary Advocate Rohit Jain, asks Jarnail Singh to respond within seven days. Earlier, notices had already been issued to four other MLAs by committee chairman Dharampal Malik.

Violation of party directions alleged

According to the notice, it has come to the party’s attention that Singh did not follow official instructions during the Rajya Sabha elections. As a result, his vote allegedly did not go in favor of the party’s authorized candidate.

The party has further stated that the act appears to have been done deliberately to defeat the official candidate, which amounts to a violation of party constitution, rules and norms.

Warning of disciplinary action

The notice clearly states that Singh must explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. If he fails to respond within the stipulated time, the party may treat him as acting against party interests and proceed with action as per its rules.

The development has added to the ongoing political tension within the Congress in Haryana following the cross-voting episode.