Chandigarh: Former deputy chief minister of Punjab and Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has strongly condemned the alleged misuse of state machinery, political violence and administrative pressure during the ongoing election process in Punjab. He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was openly rigging elections and using the police and administration as political weapons to influence the democratic process. However, he asserted that the Congress party would not be intimidated by such undemocratic politics.
Incidents of Violence and Intimidation
Randhawa said that several incidents of violence, intimidation and misconduct with the media emerged from various parts of Punjab during the elections, reflecting the deteriorating democratic environment in the state. He expressed serious concern over the firing incident in Samana, clashes involving opposition workers in Raikot, Batala and Samrala, as well as the tense atmosphere allegedly created during the elections in Majitha. He also strongly condemned the alleged attempt at booth capturing in Sujanpur and incidents where Sikh workers' turbans were reportedly removed during clashes at some locations.
Urgent Appeal to Election Commission
Randhawa urged the Election Commission of India to immediately take cognisance of the matter, conduct an impartial investigation into the incidents reported in Samana, Raikot, Samrala and Majitha, and take strict measures to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in Punjab.
The Congress leader's remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the state, where multiple parties are contesting for power. He emphasized that the Congress party remains committed to democratic values and will continue to fight against any attempts to subvert the electoral process. The allegations have added to the ongoing debate about the conduct of elections in Punjab, with opposition parties accusing the ruling AAP of using state machinery to gain an unfair advantage.
