Rajya Sabha: Harsimrat Badal demands an independent Election Commission, legal status for manifesto to strengthen democracy
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 10, 2025 — Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday called for major electoral reforms in Parliament, including the creation of an independent Election Commission, the posting of external observers during state elections, and making election manifestos legally binding.
Addressing the Upper House, Mrs. Badal stressed that the country needed an Election Commission free from political influence, describing the current system as being weakened by partisan control. “We need not only good laws but also their fair and transparent implementation. Unfortunately, many steps have been taken to weaken the electoral system, but none to strengthen it,” she said.
Highlighting Punjab, she criticized the state government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging misuse of official machinery, including the state plane and administrative powers, effectively “hijacking democracy” in the state. She pointed to irregularities in Panchayati Raj elections, citing a viral conference call by Patiala SSP Varun Sharma directing police officials to prevent opposition candidates from filing nominations.
Mrs. Badal also detailed forced unopposed victories for AAP candidates in multiple constituencies: Majithia (21 of 23 seats), Raja Sansi (25 of 35), Tarn Taran (32 of 32), Gurdaspur (20 of 22), and Bhoa (all seats). She suggested the introduction of digital nomination filing to prevent manipulations.
In addition, she called for a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption in the Congress, citing former legislator Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s revelation that a ₹500-crore deal had been offered to secure the chief minister’s post in Punjab.
Mrs. Badal concluded by asserting that strengthening electoral laws and ensuring their strict implementation was essential to protect democracy from political manipulation