The Congress party in Punjab has escalated its fight for what it calls a "free and fair" electoral process, formally approaching the State Election Commission with serious allegations of systematic sabotage. This move comes a day after the party knocked on the doors of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, highlighting a crisis during the nomination process for the upcoming zila parishad and block samiti elections.
Allegations of Widespread Sabotage on Final Day
On December 4, the final day for filing nominations, the state witnessed a complete collapse of law and order, according to the Congress. A delegation led by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and former deputy chief minister O P Soni met State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari and submitted a detailed petition.
The party claims that organized groups, operating openly and with alleged police support in several locations, engaged in a coordinated effort to derail the democratic process. Nomination papers were reportedly snatched, torn, and destroyed in front of candidates. Furthermore, opposition nominees were physically blocked from entering government offices designated for filing, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Police Complicity and Constitutional Violations
Bajwa presented what he termed as evidence of police involvement in the obstruction. He drew the Commission's attention to a widely circulated audio clip in which Patiala SSP Varun Sharma is purportedly heard instructing police personnel to disrupt the nomination process, even encouraging the snatching and destruction of papers. "When those entrusted with safeguarding democracy become participants in its sabotage, the credibility of the entire electoral system comes under threat," Bajwa stated.
The Congress leader argued that because these incidents occurred on the very last day for filing, affected candidates were robbed of any chance to re-submit their papers. He emphasized that such deliberate obstruction constitutes a clear violation of Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law, democratic participation, and personal liberty.
Demands for Action to Restore Trust
In their petition, the Congress has made specific demands to rectify the situation. The primary request is for the State Election Commission to extend the last date for filing nominations for the zila parishad and block samiti elections. This, they argue, is necessary to compensate for the widespread violence and obstruction that marred December 4.
Additionally, the party has called for a thorough, impartial, and time-bound inquiry into all reported incidents of violence and alleged police misconduct. They demand strict action against all those found responsible, from the miscreants on the ground to any officials who abetted them.
Bajwa linked the day's events to what he described as a toxic political culture fostered by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He recalled an instance where AAP leader Manish Sisodia, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, allegedly told party workers to use ‘Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed’ (all means) to win elections. "What we saw on nomination day is the direct outcome of that mindset," Bajwa asserted.
Concluding his appeal, Bajwa warned that failing to correct these grave wrongs would reward violence and penalize democracy. "Punjab deserves elections that are free, fair, and fearless," he declared, urging the Commission to take decisive action to restore public trust in the electoral process.
