Phagwara, January 16
The SAD-BJP alliance formally started the series of election rallies for the Phagwara Assembly constituency today. The SAD president, Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Punjab BJP president Avinash Rai Khanna addressed five different election rallies at Bhularai, Ranipur, Panchhat, Darveshpind villages and Phagwara town today.

Kicking off the election campaign from nearby Bhularai village, both SAD and BJP presidents alleged that the Congress had not fulfilled its poll promise made during the Assembly elections of 2002. Instead the government has encouraged corruption.

Phagwara BJP candidate Ch Swarna Ram made serious allegations on Phagwara sitting MLA Joginder Singh Mann and alleged that he had hatched conspiracies in the murders of late MLA Pyara Ram Dhannowali, Dr Sadhu Ram and Gulzari Lal. He further alleged that Mann was openly violating the election code.

Akali leaders like Jarnail Singh Wahid Advocate, Sarwan Singh Kular, BJP District president Hira Lal Dhir and Block President Tejaswi Bhardwaj also addressed the election rally.

Addressing a press conference at the local Sugar Mills Guest House here today, Mr Badal, however, expressed apprehensions of large-scale rigging and violence in the polls. He alleged that Punjab DGP SS Virk had struck a quid pro quo deal with Captain Amarinder Singh for rigging polls.

Replying to a question about dissent among several Akali contenders on the issue of tickets distribution, Badal said 90 to 95 per cent dissidents have been convinced and remaining will soon come in mainstream. BJP candidate from Phagwara Assembly seat, Ch Swarna Ram besides SAD leaders Jarnail Singh Wahid Advocate and Sarwan Singh Kular were also present.

Hoshiarpur: Mr Badal inaugurated the election campaign of Mr Mohinder Pal Mann at village Binewal in the Bet area of Garhshankar segment. He said if his party came in power, he would constitute a separate block and tehsil for 27 villages of the Bet area of the Garhshankar segment, open a model school ,ensure regular supply of potable water.

Mr Baldev Raj Khepar, former Block President of Congress along with his supporters joined the SAD (B) and presented a purse of Re 1,11,100 to Mr Parkash Singh Badal as election fund.

Kapurthala, January 16
New voters may apply for inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls by January 18 Their names would be included in the list after verification by January 25.

This was stated by Deputy Commissioner cum District Returning Officer ,Mr. Raminder Singh ,while addressing separate meetings of booth -level officers (BLOs) and supervisory staff in Sultanpur Lodhi and Bholath here today.

Mr Raminder Singh said that the role of BLOs was significant for implementing the model code of conduct. He advised them to keep a watch on meetings and rallies of different political parties in their areas.

Addressing the meeting, SSP Mr. Rajiv Ahir said that two DSPs would be deployed in each of the four Assembly constituencies of the district to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

ADC (Development) Harpreet Singh Garcha and Sultanpur DSP Puskar Sandal were present in the meeting.

Jalandhar, January 16
Alleging violation of the code of conduct by Municipal Corporation ,Jalandhar, BJP district president, Mr Shiv Dyal Chugh, yesterday lodged a complaint with the District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, saying that the BPL numbers were being issued to the electorate for enticing them in favour of the ruling Congress party.

Presenting a copy of one such letter, Mr Chugh pointed out that the date of issue was not specifically mentioned on the tactfully drafted letters. He urged the officer to immediately issue directions to stop any such activity. — TNS