A violent clash erupted between workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Kumbhra village, Mohali, on Tuesday over the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The altercation left several party workers injured, prompting both sides to lodge complaints with the police and the district administration.
BJP Workers Attacked, Party Alleges Hooliganism
State BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon visited the injured workers at the hospital and condemned the attack. He demanded strict action from the administration, calling the incident "clear hooliganism by AAP." The BJP district president, Sanjeev Vashisht, stated that his party workers, including district vice-president Hardeep Singh Baidwan, were present at the scene when an argument broke out with AAP members near a gurdwara, which quickly escalated into a physical clash.
The BJP alleged that Hardeep Singh Baidwan and another worker, Sunny, were attacked by AAP workers. Baidwan sustained serious injuries in the assault. The party leaders claimed that Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav was informed about the incident, following which the Mohali police were directed to investigate the matter. The BJP warned that if no action was taken, it would hold protests outside the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police.
AAP Councillor Denies Allegations
AAP councillor Ravinder Bindra denied the allegations levelled by BJP leaders, asserting that the BJP workers were themselves responsible for the violence. He claimed that the BJP had come to the village with the intention of creating a ruckus and that AAP workers only acted in self-defence. Bindra also stated that the AAP would file a counter-complaint with the police.
Background of the Dispute
The clash occurred during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, a process aimed at updating voter lists. Kumbhra village, located in the Mohali district, has been a site of political rivalry between the BJP and AAP. The SIR exercise is part of the Election Commission's efforts to ensure accurate and up-to-date voter data ahead of upcoming elections. Both parties accused each other of trying to manipulate the rolls for political gain.
Local residents reported that the situation remained tense throughout the day, with a heavy police presence deployed to prevent further violence. The Mohali police have registered a case based on complaints from both sides and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to ascertain the sequence of events.
