A day ahead of voting, Punjab Congress seeks postponement of panchayat polls by 3 weeks

Addressing reporters after submitting the representation, Bajwa said the Congress leadership also demanded that ballot papers with holograms should be used in the elections.

“We suspect that AAP people are getting printed fake ballot papers. In every village, they are getting 100 fake ballot papers published per 1,000 votes in every booth and are instructing their supporters to submit two such fake ballot papers along with their vote,” the Congress leader said.

The Congress leader also sought videography of the counting of the votes.

“I am writing to you with grave concern regarding the ongoing Panchayat elections in Punjab, scheduled for October 15, 2024. The chaotic and violent events that unfolded during the nomination filing process, especially on the last day, have not only undermined the sanctity of the electoral process but have also cast a shadow over the fairness and inclusiveness of these elections. Given the widespread reports of clashes, administrative mishandling, and the deprivation of numerous candidates of their right to participate, I urge the Election Commission to consider postponing the Panchayat elections by at least three weeks to allow for a more organized and equitable process,” read the representation submitted by Bajwa, which was also signed by Congress leaders accompanying him.

“As you are aware, elections are to be held for 13,241 gram panchayats across Punjab. However, incidents of violence and coercion have been reported from various districts, notably in Tarn Taran, Moga, Ferozepur, and Fazilka, among others. In Makhu, police had to resort to firing shots in the air to disperse crowds as clashes erupted outside the local Block Development and Panchayat Office. A similar incident occurred in Tarn Taran’s Bhikhiwind, where AAP workers attacked Congress workers, leaving five people injured. Reports from Moga indicate that nomination papers were torn and snatched from candidates,” it further read.

“Moreover, many candidates have faced administrative obstacles in filing their nomination papers. Mismanagement at venues like Nakodar Municipal Council has deterred candidates from filing their papers on time. Many candidates reported being harassed while procuring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). These incidents reflect the systemic failures and undue influence by the ruling AAP, which is attempting to manipulate the process to secure an unopposed victory in many regions. This manner of election process is against the spirit of the order dated 26.09.2024 passed by the State Election Commission, Punjab,” the Congress leaders stated.

“While some candidates were able to seek recourse in the judiciary, resulting in Punjab and Haryana High Court staying the election of more than 200 panchayats, countless others, particularly from marginalized sections like Dalits and women, have been denied their constitutional right to contest without access to legal avenues. The arbitrary rejection of nomination papers without personal hearings, coupled with violent disruptions, has compromised the entire electoral process,” they stated.

“In addition to the issues regarding the nomination process, another serious concern is the use of an outdated voter list from January 2023 for these Panchayat elections. A new voter list was prepared for the Lok Sabha elections held in May 2024. It is only fair and just that this updated list be used for the Panchayat elections as well to ensure that all eligible voters, especially those who have come of age or relocated in the intervening period, are able to exercise their right to vote. The failure to update the voter list risks disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate and further undermines the legitimacy of the elections,” they added.

The Congress leaders urged the State Election Commission to “postpone the Panchayat elections by three weeks to allow for the resolution of irregularities and the creation of a safer and more conducive environment for candidates to file their nomination papers”.

Pointing out that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had already stayed elections in specific villages, they stated, “A statewide postponement would ensure consistency and fairness.”

Urging the state election commissioner to “reopen the nomination process for affected candidates”, the Congress leaders stated, “Candidates who were unable to file their nomination papers due to violence, coercion, or administrative lapses should be given a fresh opportunity to do so. This is crucial to restoring faith in the electoral process.”

“This Hon’ble Commission, itself, after conducting enquiry found that there were prima facie evidence in regard to illegally withdrawing of nomination from vulnerable sections of society, have been disenfranchised, and it is imperative that the State Election Commission takes swift and decisive action to address these grievances,” the representation also said.