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Key Points

The Shiromani Akali Dal has leveled serious allegations of electoral misconduct against the AAP government in Punjab. The party claims police officials are being used to intimidate opposition leaders and influence the upcoming Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll. Specific accusations include transferring police officers with close ties to the AAP candidate to strategically manipulate the election process. The Akali Dal has demanded an independent investigation and the transfer of the implicated police officials to ensure a fair election.

Key Points: Akali Dal Exposes AAP Police Threat in Punjab Bypoll

  • Akali Dal files complaint with Election Commission over police intimidation
  • Two police officers allegedly close to AAP candidate transferred to Tarn Taran
  • Complaint alleges threats to sarpanches and local leaders
  • Demands independent inquiry and transfer of implicated police officials
2 min read

Punjab govt using police officials to threaten Opposition in bypoll, alleges Akali Dal

Shiromani Akali Dal accuses AAP of misusing police to intimidate opposition and influence Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll

"Their sudden transfer and posting to the same area at this crucial juncture clearly indicates a motivated administrative decision - Arshdeep Singh Kler, Akali Dal Spokesman"

Chandigarh, Oct 13

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday filed a complaint with the Election Commission on misuse of government machinery by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the Assembly bypoll and said the government was using police officials to threaten leaders of Opposition parties.

In a complaint filed with the Chief Electoral Officer, Akali Dal spokesman Arshdeep Singh Kler said police officials Jagjeet Singh and Sukhbir Singh, who are close aides of AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu, had been posted to Tarn Taran with the intention of influencing electorates.

He said these officials had earlier served as Station House Officers in Tarn Taran during the period when Sandhu was the MLA.

"Their sudden transfer and posting to the same area at this crucial juncture clearly indicates a motivated administrative decision aimed at influencing the election process," he told the media.

Kler also detailed in his complaint that officers were intimidating sarpanches, local leaders and voters and coercing them to support the ruling party candidate.

"People are also being threatened with false cases if they refuse to do so."

He said this conduct was not only unethical and partisan, but also a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the instructions of the Election Commission regarding neutrality of government officials during elections.

The Akali Dal leader demanded the transfer of DSP Jagjeet Singh and DSP Sukhbir Singh out of Tarn Taran district to ensure free and fair conduct of the bye-election and also urged for an independent inquiry into the allegations of intimidation and misuse of police authority.

He also urged that strict instructions should be issued to all administrative and police officials to maintain complete political neutrality during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Lashing out at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he said that CM was enacting a drama on a daily basis in government functions and was deliberately ignoring his primary duty to work for the betterment of Punjabis.

The Tarn Taran Assembly will go to the polls on November 11 and the ballot count on November 14.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Punjab, I've seen this pattern before. Every party does this when they're in power. The timing of these transfers is definitely suspicious. Hope EC investigates properly.
M
Michael C
While the allegations are serious, let's wait for proper evidence. Akali Dal has been in opposition for some time now, so they might be making these claims for political mileage. Due process should be followed.
A
Ananya R
This is exactly why people lose faith in our democratic system. Police should serve the people, not political parties. The Model Code of Conduct exists for a reason - it must be enforced strictly!
V
Vikram M
AAP came to power promising change and clean politics. If these allegations are true, it's very disappointing. They should remember why people voted for them in the first place. 🤔
S
Sarah B
The people of Tarn Taran deserve better than this political drama. Instead of focusing on development work, everyone is busy playing politics. When will our leaders learn?
K
Karthik V
Both parties have their history. Akali Dal did similar things when they were in power. The real solution is electoral reforms and stronger EC powers to prevent such misuse of government machinery.

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