A BJP delegation on Saturday submitted a memorandum to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, alleging “blatant misuse” of the state machinery by the AAP government during the civic body elections. The delegation, led by state BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, sought Kataria’s immediate intervention to safeguard constitutional norms and democratic institutions in the state.
Allegations of electoral manipulation
Addressing the media after the meeting, Dhillon accused the AAP government of “subverting” the entire electoral process for political gains. He said the ruling party first “manipulated” ward delimitation to suit its interests, then “intimidated” Opposition candidates, and attempted to prevent them from contesting the elections.
Dhillon said during the campaign, Opposition candidates were “subjected to coercion and intimidation, while polling and counting were marred by blatant irregularities with the active connivance of the bureaucracy”. He alleged that despite lacking a majority, the AAP government was now installing its nominees as mayors of the Municipal Corporations and Presidents of Municipal Councils through “administrative manipulation”.
Documentary evidence presented
The delegation presented documentary evidence before the Governor to demonstrate that in several civic bodies where AAP did not enjoy a majority, the people’s mandate was “overturned through the misuse of the bureaucracy”. Citing the Abohar Municipal Corporation as a glaring example, Dhillon said in the 50-member House, the BJP enjoyed a clear majority with the support of 28 councillors and one MLA, whereas AAP had only 20 votes.
“Despite this, the administration declared the AAP candidate the Mayor. Following strong protests by the BJP, the mayoral election had to be postponed,” he said. He further alleged that similar tactics were employed in Rajpura, Kapurthala, Barnala, and several other parts of Punjab.
Delegation composition
The delegation included Sunil Jakhar, Ashwani Sharma, Jangi Lal Mahajan, Rakesh Rathore, Dayal Singh Sodhi, Parminder Singh Brar, Amanjot Kaur Ramoowalia, Subhash Sharma, Vineet Joshi and Kaka Kamboj.
