CHENNAI: BJP national secretary, H Raja who contested for the post of Chairman of Tamil Nadu Bharat Scouts and Guides was defeated by P Mani, a former Director of school education on Saturday.
In the election held at the State head office on Kamarajar Salai at 10 am, P Mani secured 232 of the 286 votes while Raja secured only 52 votes.
However, it is unclear whether the results will be ratified by the national headquarters. A letter dated September 15 addressed to the State secretary, V Kalavathy from R Krishnaswamy, officiating director, instructing not to hold elections on Friday until further orders from the Chief National Commissioner.
The letter also claims there is no evidence to suggest that the State executive committee or State council approved the change of election dates from Sept 23 to Sept 16. The letter also observed that the national headquarters received complaints which hint at breach of rules of Bharat Scouts and Guides by the Association of Tamil Nadu.
The returning officer, Kalavathy, addressing the press after results were announced, claimed that she had received the letter in the last minute after arrangements were made for polling. She also said all the election processes were completed according to the laws and bylaws of Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Supporters of Raja had tried to stop the polling of votes in the morning, but the State body didn’t budge and elections were held.
Speaking to the press after the results were announced, Raja claimed that the election was illegal as the date had been moved from Sept 23 to Sept 16 without approval. “The election is unjust because 216 teachers were unable to cast their vote today as they were invigilating the teacher recruitment board exams,” said Raja.
Validity questioned
Raja refused to accept the results and said he would challenge the validity of the election with the national headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides