Question : Election to Rajya Sabha

(a) whether the Government is aware of some cases of alleged irregularities in the process of elections to Rajya Sabha which were conducted recently;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto along with the remedial measures taken/being taken by the Government to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future;
(c) whether the Government is satisfied with the extant system of conducting elections to Rajya Sabha and if not, whether the Government proposes to introduce reforms in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the other steps taken/being taken in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (d): The Election Commission has stated that during recently held biennial election to the Council of States, they received some complaints through electronic media, print media and some written representations regarding transfer of money on account of voting by some Members of the Legislative Assembly. After examining the matter from all aspects, the Commission directed the Returning Officer for the biennial election to Rajya Sabha by members of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, to file an FIR under the provisions of section 171 B of the Indian Penal Code and the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

They further informed that besides above, after declaration of result, the Commission received some complaints with regard to biennial election to Council of State from Haryana held on 11.06.2016, inter-alia alleging the change of pen provided for marking ballot papers by some electors leading to rejection of 12 votes under Rule 73 (2) (e) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. In this regard, the Commission has received a factual report from the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana. Now, the matter is under consideration of the Commission. Necessary remedial measures will be taken by the Commission if any such measures are called for on consideration of the said report of Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana.