The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday accused the SAD-BJP regime in Punjab of ruining the panchayati raj system in the state, alleging that Akalis were running the panchayats "as per their wishes". "Akalis have ruined the basic panchayati raj system which was one of the basic strength of the Indian democracy," said AAP state convenor Sucha Singh Chhotepur, alleging that the Badals had robbed the basic rights of more than 13,000 gram panchayts. "Panchayats are being forced to work like puppets on the instructions of Akali Jathedars," he alleged, adding that they were left with a "virtually zero per cent" role in rural development as every decision was being taken by the "political bosses" and funds were being distributed as per their wishes. [related-post] Watch Video: What's making news Terming it "murder of democracy", he alleged that funds for rural development were being spent in a manner that benefitted particular persons and the supporters of Opposition parties were being denied the fruits of development. "While campaigning for elections, Akalis make big promises to bring democracy at the panchayat-level but ultimately, they adopt a divide-and-rule policy at the village level with corruption at the helm of affairs at the time of distribution of funds," alleged another AAP leader, Sukhpal Singh Khaira. He alleged that a grant of Rs 25 crore was being distributed at some panchayats in Dhilwan block and 50 per cent of it was embezzled by Akali Jathedars. He said he would soon file a writ petition in the High Court to ensure freedom of panchayats from political clutches to pave way for rural development.
