BJP Accuses AAP Of Undermining Democracy In Punjab Urban Local Body Elections

Chandigarh, Jul 11 : The Punjab unit of the BJP on Saturday alleged that the ruling AAP undermined democracy by misusing the state machinery during elections for urban local bodies and sought Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s intervention. A delegation led by Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon met the Governor and submitted a memorandum alleging irregularities in the elections for municipal corporations, municipal councils and the subsequent mayoral and council president polls. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Dhillon alleged that the AAP government manipulated ward delimitation, intimidated opposition candidates, interfered with the nomination process and resorted to irregularities during polling and counting. He further alleged that the ruling party was installing its nominees as mayors and council presidents through administrative manipulation despite lacking a majority in some civic bodies. The BJP claimed to have submitted documentary evidence to the Governor to support its allegations. Referring to the Abohar Municipal Corporation, Dhillon alleged that despite the BJP having the support of 28 councillors and one MLA in the 50-member House, against AAP’s 20 votes, the administration declared the AAP candidate as mayor. He claimed the election was later postponed following the BJP’s protests. He also alleged similar irregularities in Rajpura, Kapurthala, Barnala and other towns. In its memorandum, the BJP demanded an independent and time-bound inquiry into the alleged constitutional violations and the role of officials during the civic polls. It also sought preservation and examination of election records, videography and official documents relating to the elections in Abohar, Kapurthala, Rajpura, Barnala and other affected towns. The party further demanded legal action against officials found guilty of wrongdoing, fresh elections in places where the electoral process was allegedly compromised and directions to ensure the political neutrality of the civil administration in future elections. According to the BJP, Governor Kataria assured the delegation that the allegations would be examined impartially and action taken in accordance with the law. The delegation included senior BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar, Ashwani Sharma and other party functionaries. There was no immediate response from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP’s allegations.