Punjab Panchayat Polls Marked by High Stakes and Allegations

The zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections in Punjab saw over 30% voter turnout by 2 pm. The process was marked by allegations of booth capturing and misuse of government machinery by the ruling party. The elections involve major parties and encompass 347 zila parishads and 2,838 panchayat samitis.

Over 30% voter turnout had been recorded by 2 pm in the significant zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections in Punjab, officials confirmed. These elections are crucial as they involve electing members across 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis.

The polling, which started at 8 am and carried on until 4 pm, witnessed participation from over 9,000 candidates, with 1.36 crore eligible voters. Allegations of booth capturing and misuse of government machinery surfaced, particularly from opposition parties like the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dismissed these allegations as signs of desperation. Despite the instances of tensions and objections, officials emphasized that measures were in place to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)