Opposition Calls for Election Extension Amid Allegations of Intimidation

Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa accuses the ruling party of obstructing the opposition's nomination process for the upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls. Allegations include intimidation and collusion involving police officials. Bajwa urges the State Election Commission to extend nomination deadlines and conduct an impartial investigation.

Opposition forces in Punjab, led by Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, are demanding an extension for the filing of nominations for the impending Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. Citing systematic intimidation and obstruction, Bajwa claims that opposition candidates faced significant hurdles, including torn nomination papers and restricted access to filing locations.

Alongside former deputy chief minister O P Soni, Bajwa met with State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri to express concerns that senior police officials conspired to impede opposition candidates. Video evidence allegedly shows miscreants fleeing with nomination papers amidst violent clashes, casting doubts on the fairness of the electoral process if not addressed.

Bajwa emphasized the constitutional implications, referencing violations of Articles 14, 19, and 21 which guarantee legal equity, democratic participation, and personal liberty. He called for an exhaustive inquiry, asserting that failures to rectify these breaches would undermine democracy in Punjab, where elections are set for December 14.

(With inputs from agencies.)