Police obstruct nominations of opposition candidates: Akali Dal
Patiala: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has said that the Punjab Police are murdering democracy by preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations for the zila parishad and block samiti poll “at the behest of the ruling AAP” on the last day of the process.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Sukhbir Singh Badal also released an audio clip to support his claim.
The clip, which Sukhbir shared on social media, purportedly carries a conversation between Patiala SSP Varun Sharma and other officers, discussing strategies to prevent opposition candidates from filing nominations.
The SAD has also lodged a written complaint with the State Election Commission, demanding immediate suspension of the police officials involved and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency or any other central agency.
“AAP is bending rules to suppress opposition candidates, particularly of the SAD. The clip has the recording of a conference call the previous night among senior Patiala police officers,” the SAD president said. He said that the officers on the call were taking instructions from the SSP on “maintaining law and order” during the nomination process.
Those speaking in the purported recording, which soon went viral, can be heard discussing that if any wrongdoing is to be carried out, it should happen outside the nomination centres—in villages, homes or on the way.
Sukhbir further said that several DSPs could be purportedly heard claiming they were acting in coordination with local politicians. “Even SP-ranked officers can be heard saying they will abide by the given directions,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition and Congress MLA Partap Bajwa slammed the government and urged the State Election Commission to take strict action and ensure free and fair polls. “This is complete lawlessness. I will also write to the Chief Election Commissioner,” said Partap Bajwa.
