AAP and SAD Engage in Heated Confrontation Over Bathinda Block Samiti Elections
Political tensions flared in Bathinda district on Wednesday as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) faced off during elections for chairperson and vice-chairperson positions in the Maur, Rampura, and Phul block samitis. The situation escalated with heavy police deployment and barricades around the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) office in Rampura village, leading to protests and allegations from both sides.
AAP Secures Control Amidst Protests and Allegations
Despite the chaos, AAP managed to secure control of the Maur and Rampura block samitis. In Rampura, where the Akalis held a majority with 10 out of 18 members, AAP, with only seven members and one Independent, successfully won the chairperson and vice-chairperson posts. This outcome sparked accusations from SAD members, who claimed they were prevented from entering the election venue by police, even after arriving on time.
In Maur, out of 15 elected members, only six AAP-aligned members participated in the voting. The SAD, which has six members, along with two Congress members and one Independent, alleged they were barred from entry, calling it a "murder of democracy" and accusing AAP of bias. However, Maur MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana dismissed these claims, stating the opposition lacked a majority and failed to reach on time.
Phul Election Deferred Amidst Symbolic Protests and Legal Threats
The election for the Phul block samiti was deferred following dramatic scenes. Senior SAD leader Sikander Singh Maluka staged a symbolic protest by sitting on the floor in the BDPO Phul office, criticizing the election conduct and alleging that the government used force to install its candidates. Maluka claimed that in the 18-member Phul block samiti, SAD had 10 members compared to AAP's five, Congress's two, and one Independent, yet SAD members were prevented from participating at the behest of Rampura Phul MLA Balkar Singh Sidhu.
Former minister and SAD leader Janmeja Singh Sekhon announced plans to move the court seeking cancellation of the elections, arguing that the process was unfair. Both Rampura and Maur fall within the Maur Assembly segment, intensifying the political stakes.
Official Response and Pending Elections
Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman provided an update, noting that out of eight block samitis in the district, elections for chairperson and vice-chairperson in Phul and Talwandi Sabo blocks remain pending. The situation highlights ongoing friction in Punjab's local governance, with both parties trading barbs over democratic integrity.
Key Points from the Incident:
- Heavy police presence and barricades at election venues in Bathinda.
- AAP wins control of Maur and Rampura block samitis despite opposition majority claims.
- SAD alleges bias and prevention from voting, terming it democratic murder.
- Phul election deferred after protests and allegations of government interference.
- Legal action threatened by SAD to challenge election outcomes.
The clash underscores the volatile nature of Punjab politics, with block samiti elections becoming a battleground for broader political control. As tensions simmer, the deferred elections in Phul and Talwandi Sabo add to the uncertainty, with both parties gearing up for further confrontations.
