Model code Violation: EC makes two U-turns in 24 hours

Returning officer first says SAD candidate held rally without nod, then says permission taken, now says notice sent

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Chief Election Commissioner Dr Nasim Zaidi addresses the media in Chandigarh Thursday. Jasbir Malhi

ELECTION COMMISSION officials made two U-turns in the last 24 hours while probing the alleged violation of the model code of conduct by sitting SAD MLA and Khadoor Sahib Assembly constituency candidate Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, who held a rally in Manochahal Kalan village Tuesday afternoon, allegedly without permission.

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Initially, Returning Officer and Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) Amandeep Kaur on Tuesday claimed a case had been registered against the SAD candidate’s aide for not having permission for the rally. When the Tarn Taran police claimed Brahmpura had permission, the SDM said she had wrong information and that EC had covered and videotaped the rally.

However, making another U-turn on Wednesday, Kaur said the commission had no video of the rally and a notice was issued to SAD for code violation. It was not only about permission.

The crowd, mostly women, were given the call to attend this rally along with the promise of free cylinders under some government scheme and necessary documents were collected from them by an Akali sarpanch at the end of the rally. Moreover, the candidate also told the crowd at the rally that he would make a phone call to the officials concerned and wheat under the Atta Dal scheme would be distributed.

According to rules, every candidate needs the EC’s permission to hold a rally so that commission officials can send a team to keep account of election expenditure and code ethics.

SDM on Tuesday evening said, “Actually, it was violation of election code of conduct to hold the rally without permission. We had informed the police and took necessary action.”

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So, has a case been registered against the candidate? Kaur said, “No, it is not against the candidate. I think one accused is school principal and there is one more person. I don’t have names because I was busy in meetings all day.”

Station House Officer Sadar Inspector Darvesh Chopra said, “No FIR was registered. They had the permission. Ask the SDM to talk to her officials. They showed me permission and no case was registered.” When asked if the RO had wrong information, Chopra said, “Yes.”

When contacted again on Wednesday, the SDM said, “I initially had wrong information. They had permission and our officials covered it and have a video of the rally.”

When The Indian Express contested her claim, she asked for more time to check. Later, Kaur made a U-turn, saying, “I have cross-checked again. We have no video and complaint against rally was true and I have issued notice to the party for breach of code.”

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According to the letter of permission submitted to police, the rally began around 2 pm and concluded at 2:45 pm. In reality, Brahmpura reached the venue before around 1:30 pm and left at 2:05 pm.

Also, the venue of the rally has been mentioned as residence of some Avtar Singh.

The Indian Express has visual of the rally being held on the premises of a public school just outside the village. There were no EC officials at the venue.

Other violations

Not a common scene at election rallies in villages, women were in majority in Manochahal. All carried Aadhaar card and other proof as they had been promised benefits under some government scheme.

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The Indian Express has video evidence of sarpanch Balwant Singh collecting documents from the women at the rally for distribution of gas cylinders. Brahmpura said in his speech cylinder was a small thing. He told the crowd that Congress and AAP had lodged complaints with EC against distribution of wheat under Atta Dal scheme.

The RO said, “I have related photographs and took action accordingly. I have no information about cylinders.”

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More