SAD distributing liquor: Cong

The Punjab Congress today accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of distributing liquor and money among voters in Bathinda. It said despite the issue having been brought to the notice of the authorities,no action has been taken. In a complaint submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner,the Congress gave details of the “malpractice”. The complaint also alleged that the SAD workers were marking fingers of the people who they were paying money to ensure that they are not able to vote. In a separate complaint,the campaign coordination committee alleged that the Punjab State Electricity Board was issuing fresh power connections to people in Gidderbaha. Another complaint alleged that Rishipal Singh,the Assistant Returning Officer,Gidderbaha,was close to Paramjit Kaur Gulshan of the Akali Dal.