Punjab local body poll: Liquor, suits, weapons, Congress flags seized, says AAP
Chandigarh, Dec 14
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on Sunday, criticised the Congress after a vehicle allegedly carrying liquor, ladies' suits, weapons, cartridges and party flags was intercepted in Batala when the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections were underway across Punjab.
Punjab AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu told the media that the incident has completely exposed the desperation, panic and "anti-democratic" mindset of the Congress, which has already accepted its defeat even before the election results.
Pannu said opposition parties had initially tried to mislead the people by falsely claiming that AAP had got their nomination papers rejected.
"Now that the final list of candidates is out and it is clear that candidates from all political parties are contesting the elections, traditional parties like the Congress have once again resorted to their old, disgraceful tactics, distributing liquor, suits and money to buy votes," he said in a statement.
Referring to the incident, Pannu said that AAP MLA from Batala and Punjab AAP Working President Sherry Kalsi intercepted a vehicle which was allegedly being used to distribute liquor and ladies' suits to influence voters.
"What is even more shocking is that weapons, cartridges and Congress flags were also recovered from the same vehicle. This clearly shows how low Congress is willing to stoop to win elections," he added.
Calling it "open goondaism", Pannu said such practices have no place in a democracy.
"The Congress still believes that it can mislead and purchase the mandate of the people of Punjab with liquor and clothes. This is nothing but their frustration and fear of inevitable defeat," he added.
Pannu said that AAP would not allow such hooliganism in the state at any cost.
"The Mann government will not tolerate this kind of lawlessness. The people of Punjab are vigilant and aware. They will not sell their votes for liquor or suits," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an observer, this is deeply concerning. Weapons and cartridges? This isn't just unethical campaigning, it's a serious law and order issue. The Election Commission needs to take immediate and strict action.
While the seizure is serious, let's wait for a full investigation. AAP is making the claim, but we need police confirmation. All parties play dirty games during polls. This isn't new for Punjab politics, sadly.
Ladies' suits? Really? Do they think women's votes can be bought with a suit piece? It's insulting to the intelligence of Punjab's voters, especially women. We vote for development, not for freebies!
The phrase "open goondaism" hits the nail on the head. This kind of political culture holds back the entire state. Hope the authorities follow through and this isn't just used for political point-scoring.
AAP is in power now. Instead of just holding press conferences, the Mann government should ensure the police file an FIR and arrests are made. Action speaks louder than statements. Let's see if they walk the talk.
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