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Punjab Election Battle: BJP Demands Videography Amid AAP Influence Claims

The BJP in Punjab has raised serious concerns about the fairness of upcoming local body elections. A party delegation met the State Election Commissioner to submit a formal complaint. They allege that officials are under the ruling AAP's influence, hindering opposition candidates. To ensure transparency, the BJP is demanding mandatory videography of the entire election process.

Key Points: BJP Seeks Videography for Punjab Panchayat Elections

  • BJP alleges AAP influence over officials obstructing opposition nominations
  • Party cites a case where a BJP leader was threatened with arrest
  • Seeks videography of all election stages for transparency and evidence
  • Requests combining some polls to avoid administrative and financial strain
2 min read

BJP seeks videography of Punjab Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti election process

BJP delegation meets Punjab Election Commissioner, demanding mandatory videography and impartial officials for upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls.

"free, fair and peaceful elections are the foundation of democracy and cannot be compromised by intimidation or misuse of state institutions. - BJP Letter"

Chandigarh, Dec 3

A delegation of the Punjab BJP, led by the party’s General Secretary Jagmohan Singh Raju, on Wednesday met the state Election Commissioner and sought directions to ensure impartial conduct of the state machinery and mandatory videography of the election process in the upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.

In the letter by the party’s state working President Ashwani Sharma, submitted to the Commission, he expressed concern over reports that several Returning Officers and police officials were allegedly functioning under the undue influence of the ruling AAP government, resulting in obstruction and interference during the filing of nomination papers by Opposition candidates.

The letter emphasised that all candidates must be permitted to file nominations without any hindrance and that neutrality of officials must be enforced to safeguard the democratic process.

Sharma highlighted previous instances from earlier local body elections in which state officials had allegedly acted at the behest of the ruling party to prevent the BJP and Opposition candidates from filing nominations.

The letter also referred to a recent case in which Gurpreet Singh, BJP’s mandal president from Majri, was allegedly threatened by Station House Officer Ajay Parocha that BJP candidates would be arrested if they attempted to file their nomination papers.

The BJP strongly urged the Election Commission to mandate videography of the entire election process, including the filing of nomination papers, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling, counting, and declaration of results.

According to the BJP, comprehensive videography documentation would enhance transparency, deter misuse of official authority, and ensure the availability of verifiable evidence in case of any dispute or investigation.

The delegation requested that the Panchayat Samiti elections for Dera Bassi, Kharar, and Majri be held together with the elections of the Mohali Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti, thereby avoiding double administrative effort, unnecessary financial expenditure, and repeated disruption of district functioning.

The party said free, fair and peaceful elections are the foundation of democracy and cannot be compromised by intimidation or misuse of state institutions.

It requested the state Election Commission to take immediate steps to ensure complete neutrality of state officials so that the forthcoming elections are conducted in a transparent, unbiased and smooth manner.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I support transparency, this feels like political posturing. Every party cries foul when they are in opposition. Why wasn't this demand for videography so strong when BJP was in power in the centre? The system needs consistent reform, not just convenient demands.
A
Aman W
If police officials are threatening candidates, that's a serious issue! This is not about party politics, it's about protecting our democracy at the grassroots level. Panchayat elections are the soul of Indian democracy. EC should take strict action. 👍
S
Sarah B
The request to hold elections together to avoid double effort and cost makes complete sense. It's a practical administrative suggestion that should be considered beyond party lines. Wasting public money on repeated polls helps no one.
V
Vikram M
As a Punjabi, I've seen this movie before. Ruling party tries to arm-twist the administration. AAP came to power promising change, but this sounds like the same old game. Shameful if true. Hope the Election Commission stands firm.
K
Kavya N
Mandatory videography from nomination to results is an excellent idea! It should be implemented in all elections across India, not just Punjab. This will build trust in the process. Let every action be recorded for accountability.

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