The nomination process for the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections in Patiala district concluded with a significant number of filings, but was heavily marred by allegations of obstruction and malpractice from opposition candidates. A total of 749 nominations were filed across the district despite reports of papers being snatched and torn, allegedly by supporters of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Nomination Statistics and Police Cases
According to the final figures, 102 nominations were submitted for the 23 Zila Parishad seats, while a much larger number, 647 nominations, were filed for the 184 zones under the district's 10 Block Samitis. The process, however, was not smooth. Patiala's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Varun Sharma, confirmed that approximately six cases have been registered at police stations in Ghanaur, Nabha, and other areas based on complaints from candidates or reports submitted by the Returning Officers.
"Appropriate action will be taken on merit in all cases," assured SSP Sharma. The registration of these cases points to the tense atmosphere that surrounded the filing of papers.
Widespread Allegations of Snatching and Obstruction
Leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and the Congress party came forward with serious accusations. SAD(B) leader Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer claimed that nomination papers were snatched from six of their party's candidates. He stated that two incidents occurred right at the nomination center premises, while four others were targeted before they could even reach the center.
Jhinjer went further, accusing AAP workers of acting in collusion with officials to snatch and tear papers, and even alleged police manhandling. He cited a leaked audio clip, purportedly of the SSP, as evidence of police-AAP collusion. Demanding the deployment of central security forces for the polls to ensure fairness, Jhinjer predicted a defeat for AAP due to public anger over these "oppressive tactics."
Former Congress MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur echoed similar concerns, stating that two Congress candidates in the Shambu block faced snatching of their nomination papers. The situation appeared widespread, affecting multiple blocks.
Incidents Across Different Blocks
The reports of obstruction came from various parts of the district. In the Ghanaur block, SAD(B) managed to file papers for 15 out of 16 seats. In Shambu, they filed for 14 out of 19 seats. In Samana, the SAD Punar Surjit party alleged snatching, as only 13 candidates could file papers out of 15.
One of the most brazen incidents allegedly occurred in the Block Samiti Banera. Former sarpanch and Congress candidate Gurmeet Kaur's nomination papers were reportedly snatched from her husband, Bhim Singh, inside an administrative building near the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Nabha. DSP Nabha Gurinder Singh Bal confirmed that a probe has been initiated based on Gurmeet Kaur's complaint.
Mohali District Sees Peaceful Nominations
In contrast to the turmoil in Patiala, the neighboring Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) district witnessed a peaceful conclusion to the nomination process for its Panchayat Samiti elections. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonam Choudhary reported that a total of 321 nominations were filed for the 52 zones of the Kharar, Dera Bassi, and Majri Panchayat Samitis.
Choudhary detailed that while only 22 nominations were received on Monday, a rush on the final day led to 299 nominations being filed. The breakdown shows 78 nominations for Kharar's 15 zones, 94 for Majri's 15 zones, and the remaining for Dera Bassi's 22 zones. The scrutiny of all nominations is scheduled for December 5.
The stark difference in the nomination process between the two districts highlights the charged political environment in Patiala, setting the stage for a closely watched and potentially contentious election phase. The police's promised action on the registered cases will be a key factor in restoring confidence in the electoral process.
