MC polls: Oppn fumes at SAD ‘benchmark’

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 9

Thousands of benches installed by Shiromani Akali Dal leaders in various constituencies of Punjab promoting their party slogan, party symbol and name of their party leaders are in for trouble as the Opposition parties say that such benches provide “free-of-cost publicity” to SAD candidates before the December 17 municipal polls.

Even sewa kendras across the state are still bearing the “Raj Nahi Sewa” slogan that is related to the SAD and was painted using government money.

The benches were installed at public places across the district by SAD leaders almost a decade ago and the respective returning officers and the district administration have no idea “where the funds for the same came from”.

The benches, installed by various SAD leaders, have added to the woes of the district electoral officer as thousands of benches have been installed in various parts of the district and the process to identify, repaint or cover the election violation-related symbol will surely take time.

Meanwhile, leaders from across the political parties have already demanded action by the Election Commission.

On December 17, three Municipal Corporations (Amritsar, Patiala and Jalandhar) and 32 Nagar Councils/Nagar Panchayats will go to polls.

Cabinet minister Brahm Mohindra said such benches were placed in many districts and even some sewa kendras were still painted with “Raj Nahi Sewa” slogans. “I will take up the matter with the EC and urge the authorities to cover these slogans and party symbols,” he said.

Patiala District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit said the process was on to “paint all such benches” and cover any slogan or symbol that violated the model code of conduct. “The matter has been brought to my notice just now and I will seek an opinion on it,” he stated.