PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately approach the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court’s order cancelling the April 9 Ponda bye-election.
AAP leaders led by Goa State President Valmiki Naik, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Goa, Sanjay Goel, IAS, on Wednesday wherein the party argued that the cancellation, announced less than 24 hours before polling, has caused “widespread confusion, inconvenience, and disenfranchisement” among voters and candidates.
Naik told reporters that the electoral process had already reached its final stage, with postal ballots completed and resources deployed.
“BJP was threatened by an imminent defeat. It was clear AAP was set to win. This cancellation is a conspiracy to retain power,” he alleged.
AAP General Secretary Adv Surel Tilve warned that cancelling an election at such an advanced stage curtails democratic rights.
“Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. Any disruption must be weighed against the rights of the electorate,” he said.
AAP has urged the ECI to seek an urgent stay from the Supreme Court to protect citizens’ right to vote. The party expressed hope that timely intervention could restore the electoral process.
