The Punjab State Election Commission has directed the registration of an FIR concerning a missing ballot box controversy that emerged during the counting for Ward No. 6 of the Municipal Council election in Nangal. The development follows a complaint by BJP state vice-president Subhash Sharma, who alleged serious breaches of election protocols.
Background of the Controversy
Polling in Ward No. 6 of Nangal Municipal Council concluded on May 29, after which opposition parties, including the Congress and BJP, alleged irregularities in the handling of ballot boxes. Reports surfaced that the presiding officer had transported a ballot box in his private vehicle instead of using the government-arranged bus designated to transport election material to the strongroom. This deviation from prescribed procedure triggered protests outside the polling station.
According to sources, the Ropar district administration initially recommended the suspension of the returning officer. However, the State Election Commission took a serious view of the incident and ordered an FIR. Subhash Sharma demanded registration of an FIR against the presiding officer and sought repolling in Ward No. 6, claiming that the sanctity of the electoral process had been compromised. A Congress leader and former Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha also made a similar demand.
Election Commission's Directive
The Election Commission has now ordered the registration of an FIR. SDM Nangal Sachin Pathak confirmed that the commission directed the lodging of an FIR in the missing ballot box case. The action underscores the commission's commitment to upholding electoral integrity.
In addition, Subhash Sharma alleged large-scale bogus voting in Ward No. 1 of the Nangal Municipal Council and called for a thorough investigation. These allegations have intensified the political controversy surrounding the civic body elections, with opposition parties accusing the ruling dispensation of undermining the fairness of the electoral process. Opposition leaders have also filed petitions with the Deputy Commissioner of Ropar challenging the election results.
Political Reactions and Demands
Congress and BJP workers staged protests outside the polling station after the reports of the ballot box being transported in a private vehicle emerged. The movement of the ballot box in a private vehicle triggered suspicion among contesting candidates and political parties, as election rules require all ballot boxes to be transported collectively in government vehicles arranged by the administration. The alleged deviation led to tense scenes outside the polling station.
Subhash Sharma said, "The presiding officer violated the election code by transporting the ballot box in his private vehicle. This compromises the entire electoral process. We demand a repoll and strict action against the officer." A Congress leader echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent election.
The Election Commission's order for an FIR marks a significant step in addressing the allegations. The investigation will likely focus on the presiding officer's actions and the chain of custody of the ballot box. The outcome could have implications for the election results in Ward No. 6 and potentially other wards if further irregularities are uncovered.
