Former Union Minister Som Parkash alleges irregularities in Punjab panchayat elections
Says non-AAP candidates were facing significant hurdles in acquiring necessary NOCs, while AAP leaders were being granted approvals easily
PTC Web Desk: In the ongoing political battle over the Panchayat elections in Punjab, accusations and counter-accusations between political parties have intensified. On Tuesday, AAP leaders met the Punjab Election Commission over alleged election malpractices. On Wednesday, former Union Minister Som Parkash, along with senior leadership from the BJP, visited the Election Commission office in Chandigarh to raise concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Som Parkash accused the Punjab Government of attempting to conduct one-sided Panchayat elections. He highlighted instances of alleged voter manipulation, where voting patterns did not match the ward demarcations. "Ward boundaries have been drawn, but votes are being cast differently. In cases where candidates are likely to win, efforts are being made to rig the results," he said.
Som Parkash claimed that discrepancies in the voter lists were brought to the attention of the Election Commission. He alleged that the state government has introduced rules requiring candidates to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to contest the elections. However, he argued that non-AAP candidates were facing significant hurdles in acquiring the necessary NOCs, while AAP leaders were being granted approvals easily. "This election has turned into a farce, and the process is anything but fair," he added.
Addressing concerns in Gurdaspur, Som Parkash referred to an instance in Dera Baba Nanak where a Panchayat candidate reportedly offered a bid of Rs 2 crore. He clarified that this was not a case of bribery but rather a pledge of Rs 2 crore for the village’s development.
The BJP leader urged the Election Commission to ensure a fair and transparent election process, emphasising that the integrity of the Panchayat elections is at stake.