Cong MLA writes to EC,seeks imposition of model code

With a series of allegations ranging from claims that security is being provided to “goons” belonging to the ruling Akali Dal,weapons licences were being distributed freely to pages being deleted from voters’ lists at polling booths in Dakha,the new constituency he is likely to contest the polls from,Congress MLA Jassi Khangura has written to the Election Commission urging it to impose the model code of conduct in the state.

“A large number of security personnel are provided both officially and unofficially to Akali Dal supporters. Many of them have suspicious backgrounds and the reasons for provision of security are spurious. There has also been a surge in the grant of arms licences in 2011,in addition to the number of illegal unregistered weapons held. The EC needs to take immediate steps to counter long-established Akali malpractice of deleting pages from voters lists at polling booths. A recently issued voter ID card should be accepted irrespective of whether the voter’s name appears on the list or not. I seek investigation and assistance from the Election Commission on the three main issues”,Khangura said.

“There is an overriding climate of fear and intimidation in Punjab currently and I would plead with you for an early imposition of the model code of conduct in the state”,he adds.