Chaos reigns in filing of nominations for rural poll
Major chaos was reported outside all Block Development and Panchayat Offices (BPDOs) in the district with Friday being the last day for filing of nominations for the panchayat elections. Hundreds of aspirants for the post of Sarpanch and Panchs got only four hours to file their nominations after two public holidays. The Election Commission had directed that the process of filing nominations should end by 3 pm but the submission of papers was going on till 6.30 pm in various blocks. A number of aspirants even failed to submit their papers due to the chaos. In Chogawan block, the aspirants waited till 6 pm, standing in queues, but when their turn did not come to file the nominations, they entered the office forcefully and manhandled the staff. The police and civil administration failed to make proper arrangements to handle the situation.
Due to heavy rush outside the BDPO offices, around 10 women aspirants fainted while standing in queue in Rayya block. The aspirants alleged that the BDPO office staff had given backdoor entry to some persons by accepting bribe. SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia uploaded a video on social media in which some persons were seen entering an office through a window in Majitha. He alleged that AAP candidates were being allowed through windows while others waited outside. Hundreds of aspirants who had gathered at the BDPO office in Majitha alleged mismanagement and raised slogans. The aspirants for Sarpanch and Panchs also raised slogans against the government in Rayya block. SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia visited the BDPO office in Majitha and alleged that the government was deliberately not allowing the candidates of Opposition parties to file their papers. Due to mismanagement, the aspirants entered into brawls in various blocks.
Long queues of aspirants were also seen outside the Block Development and Panchayat Office at Harsa Chhina till late in the evening. The candidates were seen climbing the walls of the Block Agriculture Office, where nominations were being filed for the panchayat elections. The aspirants alleged that the administration did not even provide water for the visitors. However, the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders alleged that it was a deliberate attempt on the part of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to not allow opponents to file papers but a number of aspirants associated with AAP, also failed submit their papers.
Sudan appointed poll observer
The Punjab State Election Commission has appointed Harpreet Singh Sudan as observer for Amritsar district for the panchayat elections. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Paramjit Kaur stated that if anyone in the district has any complaint or suggestion regarding panchayat elections, they can contact Harpreet Sudan at the PWD Rest House, Rialto Chowk, Amritsar from October 5 to October 7 from 11 am till 1 pm. He can also be contacted on his phone number 7973309177.
