Bhindi Saidan (Ajnala), February 21
The money bags have been opened. On the pretext of distributing ‘old age’ pension, cash is publicly being distributed to woo voters. A TNS team followed the big caravan of two Independent MLAs (who later joined the Congress) under whose direct supervision cash was being distributed in the border villages.
What is worse, liquor is being distilled openly even as observers of Election Commission remain mute spectators to the gross violation of the code of conduct.
On the other hand, the Shiromani Akali Dal has been using ‘gurdwara funds’ to woo voters. The SAD has dumped bricks at the local gurdwara and ‘langar’ (community kitchen) has been arranged at the behest of the SGPC at various places.
A large quantity of electric poles and wires have been supplied by the PSEB and employees of electricity board were seen giving connections.
Many old men and women showed currency notes, distributed by the ruling party in various villages. Ms Mohinder Kaur, Ms Joginder Kaur, Mr Gyan Singh, and Ms Kulwant Kaur flaunted currency notes given by leaders of the ruling party in this village. Then the caravan moved to the next village, Kotly Dusandi. The TNS team witnessed high drama during distribution of old-age pension. Ms Gurmit Kaur, who belongs to the poor Rai Sikh community, said she was given Rs 400 as ‘old-age pension’. Then both the MLAs entered the house of Mr Dalip Singh, Sarpanch, of the village where the ‘old-age pension camp’ was organised. Liquor and
cash were distributed to at least 50 voters. However, when the Congress leaders reached another house, their supporters got suspicious and their security personnel tried to stop this correspondent from getting closer.
A visit to a farm house of this village revealed that two ‘distilleries’ were running round the clock. The odour of the fresh ‘gur’ has spread in a far-flung areas. But the enforcement agencies are not bothered. The liquor is distilled by both the major parties in the fray.
However, the Congress lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and alleged that SAD was distributing blankets, shawls and sweaters in violation of code of conduct.
A heavy police force has been deputed in the constituency. The high stakes in the election has created a tense situation in various parts of the city. Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister and Mr Parkash Singh Badal have used the ‘harshest’ language against each other which are indication of the current situation in the constituency. Both the parties have brought a large number of their supporters from far-flung areas including Haryana, New Delhi and Chandigarh.
