Majithia accuses Punjab CM of 'low-level politics'

Polling will also be held for 76 municipal councils and 21 nagar panchayats.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of indulging in ''low-level politics'' and misusing the administration to target opponents ahead of the upcoming local body elections.

In a video statement, Majithia alleged that the chief minister had crossed all limits of political discourse and challenged him to contest elections from Majitha.

''If Bhagwant Mann has the courage, he should come and contest from Majitha himself,'' Majithia said, adding that the chief minister was ''politically obsessed'' with him.

Claiming that his name continued to dominate Mann's speeches and statements, the SAD leader remarked that ''Majithia, Majithia, Majithia'' was all that revolved in the chief minister's mind throughout the day.

Majithia said he had consistently raised his voice against injustice and in support of Punjab's rights, regardless of whether he held any official position.

Referring to the local body polls, Majithia accused the Punjab government of using the police machinery for political purposes and alleged that women workers and elected representatives were mistreated during protests.

He claimed that his wife and Majitha MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia stood with party workers, particularly women supporters, during the incident.

Majithia further alleged that deputy superintendent of police-rank officer Kamalmeet Singh behaved inappropriately with women workers,and the MLA under pressure from the ruling establishment.

The SAD also claimed that incidents of intimidation, pressure tactics and misuse of power were being reported from different parts of Punjab during the municipal council elections.

Majithia asserted that he would neither bow to political pressure nor be intimidated.

''I will continue to fight for Punjab, Punjabis and the rights of the people. Majithia has never bowed before authoritarianism and never will,'' he said.

Polling for 105 municipal bodies, including eight municipal corporations, will be held on May 26. Counting of votes will take place on May 29.

Elections will be held in eight municipal corporations -- Mohali, Bathinda, Abohar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Moga, Batala and Pathankot. Polling will also be held for 76 municipal councils and 21 nagar panchayats.