Disruption in paper filing process; SAD protests

PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 19

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders and workers on Wednesday accused Congress leaders of resorting to highhandedness. They alleged that Congress workers snatched and tore the nomination papers of SAD contenders from Cheema Bath village panchayat in Rayya block for the upcoming panchayat elections.

As Wednesday was the last day for filing nominations, a huge rush was witnessed at the centre at Mata Ganga Senior Secondary School, Baba Bakala.

They later staged a protest on the Jalandhar–Batala road following which administrative and police officials reached the spot and made them file papers at the centre. Later, they filed a complaint with the deputy commissioner and the SSP (rural), demanding action against those involved in the scuffle and manhandling.

Arvinder Kaur, who is contesting for the post of sarpanch from Cheema Bath village, said she, along with her supporters, had gone to the school for submitting her nomination papers when Congress workers arrived at the scene and “manhandled” them. They allegedly snatched their papers and tore the same. She alleged that the accused also insulted her. “The entire incident occurred in the presence of policemen who did not bother to intervene. The staff deputed at the centres also worked under the influence of the ruling dispensation,” she said.

Former SAD MLA from the area, Malkeet Singh AR, also brought the matter to the knowledge of the deputy commissioner and the chief election commissioner, Punjab.

Similar accusations were levelled by Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) leader Charandeep Singh Bhindar. He said the party was contesting for eight panchayats, including Bhinder and Lakha Singh Wala. He said Congress leaders were unleashing all means to get their supporters elected as sarpanches and panchayat members.

Deepak Bhatia, returning officer, said the candidates, whose nomination papers were snatched, were facilitated as their papers were accepted. He said nobody would be allowed to create disturbance in the election process. If anyone tries to take the law in his hand, he would be dealt with iron hand, he added.