ROOPNAGAR, Sept 5: Despite an apprehension of violence in several segments of the Ropar (reserve) constituency, electioneering passed off peacefully here with about 53 per cent polling recorded till evening.Amloh segment recorded the highest percentage of polling at 61 per cent. This was followed by 58 per cent in Sirhind. Both Chamkaur Sahib and Morinda Assembly segments recorded 57 per cent polling. In Dhuri, 53 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise. Both Nabha and Samrala witnessed 50 per cent polling.While Kharar witnessed 49 per cent polling, Khanna recorded a minimum percentage with only 47 per cent. Barring two cases of impersonation and war of words in several pockets, polling remained peaceful with no incident of violence reported anywhere in the constituency.Disclosing this at a hurriedly called press conference in the evening, the Deputy Commissioner Kulbir Singh Sidhu, who is also the Returning Officer, claimed that not a single incident of violence was reported from anywhere. He said that no violation of the model code of conduct was reported either throughout the day.While the Congress accused the ruling Akali Dal of tearing its posters in Kansal village, the authorities put the blame on children. Meanwhile, about 50 per cent polling was recorded in each of the Anandpur Sahib and Nangal Assembly segments, which fall under Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha constituency. Although the law and order situation remained peaceful at these places, the presiding officer at Bibhor Sahib Government High School polling station was forced to open the ballot box by Congress activists who feared bogus voting. Their doubts were cleared when only one ballot paper was found inside the box.At another polling station in Nangal township, Congress activists accused a polling officer of canvassing in favour of the BJP. The authorities later claimed to have sorted out the matter.
