Urges SEC to issue directions to Returning Officers to get Chullah tax and any other arrears deposited in their own offices
Chandigarh, October 3: he Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for videography and measures to stop the harassment of opposition candidates during the last day of nomihttp://videographynations and scrutiny for the Panchayat elections. The party also urged the State Election Commission to direct Returning Officers to deposit Chulha tax and any arrears in their offices at the time of filing nominations.
SAD Delegation Submits Complaints to Commissioner
A SAD delegation led by former Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema made these submissions to State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhary. The delegation included Chief Spokesman Arshdeep Singh Kler and YAD President Sarbjit Singh Jhinjher.
videography : Allegations of Misuse of Election Officers
After the meeting, Dr. Cheema reported receiving numerous complaints from across the state. These allegations stated that election officers, including BDPOs, were present in the offices and residences of ruling party Ministers and MLAs instead of their own offices. He claimed that Aam Aadmi Party leaders were misusing these officers to deny NOCs and Chulha tax receipts to opposition leaders.
Changes in Administrative Roles and Pressures on Opposition
Dr. Cheema announced in Majithia the removal of IAS officer Sonam from the SDM position, assigning the role to junior officer Amanpreet Singh, who was allegedly following AAP leaders’ orders. He also mentioned that in Kot Isse Khan, MLA Davinderjit Singh Laddhi Dhos pressured the police to remove all opposition candidates from the BDPO office.
Urgent Call for Videography and Special Control Rooms
The delegation urged the Election Commission to conduct videography in Returning Officers’ offices on the last day of nominations to prevent harassment of opposition candidates. They called for establishing Special Control Rooms in each district and at the state level, with district officials dispatched immediately to address reported issues.
Requests for Further Oversight During Scrutiny of Papers
Dr. Cheema further disclosed that the delegation requested videography during the scrutiny of papers on October 5. He stated that if Returning Officers intended to reject any nomination paper, they should first seek permission from the Election Commission. He informed the commission that, despite providing good directions, these instructions had not been effectively implemented on the ground.
Reactions to Media Queries
In response to a media query, Dr. Cheema expressed surprise that even Finance Minister Harpal Cheema was uncertain about conducting free and fair elections. Regarding State BJP President Sunil Jakhar’s suggestion to PM and HM about changing the party’s perception in Punjab, he welcomed any such suggestion but refrained from commenting on unverified news.
Concerns Over BJP’s Discipline and Statements from MPs
When asked about MP Kangana Ranaut’s recent outburst, Dr. Cheema questioned why the BJP high command felt unable to take action against her, despite the party’s claims of being highly disciplined. He asserted that no MP could make such statements without the party’s consent.
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