Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
Partap Bajwa criticizes AAP leaders for intimidating Opposition candidates in Panchayat Elections
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 1, 2024: Leader of the Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government for allegedly attempting to manipulate the upcoming Panchayat polls scheduled for October 15.
Bajwa, a senior Congress leader, accused AAP MLAs and leaders of employing intimidation tactics to discourage opposition candidates and voters from participating in the elections.
"There have been multiple incidents of coercion to prevent the filing of nomination papers by opposition candidates," Bajwa remarked.
He cited a recent viral video featuring Jaito MLA Amolak Singh, where the MLA was seen threatening voters in a village. Furthermore, Bajwa pointed to a disturbing incident in Ferozepur District where an AAP leader reportedly fired shots to intimidate opposition candidates as they were filing their nominations.
"In Jalandhar district, opposition candidates have been subjected to harassment at the hands of Panchayat Secretaries and Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs), who are being pressured by AAP MLAs and local leaders. These officials are fast-tracking the issuance of NOCs for AAP-backed candidates, while others are forced to endure long delays," Bajwa said.
He also criticized the AAP delegation led by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for their planned meeting with the Punjab State Election Commission (PSEC) to ensure free and fair elections, calling it a "stage-managed" effort to gain media attention.
"Instead of holding farcical meetings, the AAP government should take decisive action against its MLAs and leaders who are undermining the electoral process. I urge the PSEC to act swiftly and firmly against these instances of intimidation," Bajwa concluded.