PANCHAYAT ELECTIONS: Poll din subsides, candidates pull out all stops to woo rural voters

When it comes to the panchayat poll, liquor and non-veg food rule the roost across the rural landscape of Punjab. The campaigning for the elections scheduled for October 15 ended today.

To woo the voters, candidates distributed soft drink bottles, sweets and organised fast food langars in several villages.

The use of money power was also reported from villages where general candidates are in fray, including those reserved for women.

DEOs taking action

Wherever there are complaints of use of money or liquor or any other enticement, the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers are taking action. Raj Kamal Chaudhari, State Election Commissioner

The highest rate per vote was being offered at Sakkanwali village in Muktsar, said a Malwa-based politician, adding that “jattan di arhi” has led to higher cash for votes.

Former minister and Fatehgarh Churian MLA Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said money was being offered blatantly to the voters. “The police officers are doing the dirty work of managing votes for the ruling party,” he alleged.

Another politician from Ropar, requesting anonymity, said the voter lists had been manipulated. He claimed that rural voters were left out and those in urban areas included.

State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari said the model code of conduct clearly stated that there can be no use of enticements for votes. “Wherever there are complaints of use of money or liquor or any other enticement, the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers are taking action,” he said.

A total of 25,588 candidates for the posts of sarpanch and 80,598 candidates for the posts of panch have thrown their hat in the electoral arena. As many as 3,798 sarpanches and 48,861 panches have been elected unanimously.

Though these elections are not being fought on party symbols, all political parties are using their might to ensure victory for candidates owing allegiance to them.

In Tungwali village of Bathinda, the residents for the past one week have been feasting on egg curry, chicken and “pakoras”. Reports gathered by The Tribune from Fattewal village in Ajnala suggest that milk and tea langar has been ongoing for the past week.

With 63.46 lakh female voters, the candidates are trying to woo them. From offering free juice to women at Sukhna Ablu village of Muktsar, a fast food stall has been reportedly set up for them at Khassan village in Kapurthala.

A Ropar-based senior politician said 20 to 25 boxes of liquor were being distributed daily in several villages of the district these days.

A liquor contractor from Moga district said bulk sales were up by three times. “Nowadays, retail sale is just 20 per cent. In bulk, we sell a case for Rs 1,500 instead of Rs 3,000,” he said.

However, in Jhaloor village of Barnala, the residents said no to liquor distribution.

Gurdasapur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said, “This is the first time that the gangsters are active in the panchayat poll. One gangster is dictating terms in Kotli Surat Malhi village, while another gangster from Dera Baba Nanak is deciding on who will contest the poll. The candidates had to seek the police protection to file nominations. Later, papers of these candidates were rejected at the behest of gangster.”

Harchand Singh Barsat, general secretary, AAP, said the panchayat poll would be conducted fairly. “The people are free to elect their favourite candidates. No political influence is being used to sway the voters,” he said.

All set for Oct 15

1.33 crore voters to exercise their franchise

19,110 polling booths to be established across state

96,000 staffers deputed on panchayat poll-related duties

1,001 hypersensitive booths

Highest 179 in Amritsar district