Chandigarh, February 26
Punjab's recently-appointed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) VK Singh -- accused by the Opposition Congress of playing a partisan role while sending the state government's report on state DGP Sumedh Singh Saini Singh to the Election Commission of India -- has proceeded on four-day leave.

Sources in the state government said VK Singh's leave was pre-planned and he will report back on Monday. The timing of his leave - VK Singh is said to have met the IPS officer at the latter’s residence on February 17 before forwarding the report to the Election Commission -- has raised many eyebrows. The Congress has been demanding that Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath seek an explanation from VK Singh on this secret meeting.

Over the past two days, The Tribune made several attempts to contact VK Singh, believed to be in Sitamarhi, Bihar, but the officer did not respond to the calls or text messages.

Punjab Congress spokesperson Sukhpal Singh Khaira had originally complained to the poll panel seeking Saini’s transfer on the grounds that he was chargesheeted in a criminal case (of kidnapping). Khaira, and later several sitting Congress MPs, said the party feared Saini will not allow Lok Sabha elections to be conducted in a fair manner given his proximity to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

Khaira today said there was a question mark on the credibility and integrity of the CEO to hold free and fair elections. "The CEO’s meeting with the DGP before sending a report on the demand for the latter's removal proves our demand for Saini’s transfer is legitimate,” he said.