In a serious allegation that strikes at the heart of democratic processes, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA from Majitha, Ganieve Kaur Majithia, has accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of misusing the police force to prevent opposition candidates from filing their nominations for the upcoming Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. The incident, which she claims occurred on Thursday, has sparked a major political controversy.
Allegations of a 'Police State' in Punjab
Ganieve Kaur Majithia, who is also the wife of senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, issued a detailed statement alleging a deliberate attempt to stifle democracy. She asserted that the AAP, frustrated by its inability to win the local body elections fairly, has turned Punjab into a 'police state'. The core of her accusation is that police personnel were deployed not to maintain law and order, but to actively help AAP supporters and block SAD candidates from entering government offices to submit their nomination papers.
"Even I was not allowed to enter the office of the sub-divisional magistrate," Majithia claimed, highlighting the severity of the situation. She further alleged that while legitimate candidates were barred, unauthorized persons were freely occupying the office premises, suggesting a coordinated effort to disrupt the nomination process for the opposition.
A Direct Challenge to Democratic Norms
The MLA posed a poignant question about the state of democracy in Punjab under the current regime. "If democracy is to be murdered in this fashion, then what's the need for eliciting nominations?" she questioned. This statement underscores the deep concern that the very foundation of free and fair elections is being undermined.
Majithia stated that the SAD has formally lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission (SEC), demanding immediate corrective action. The party's primary demand is clear: all nominations submitted by SAD candidates must be accepted. Furthermore, to ensure transparency and fairness moving forward, she has called for the posting of independent observers to oversee the entire nomination process. This, she argued, would provide a level playing field and allow SAD candidates a genuine chance to file their papers without obstruction.
Confidence in Fair Play and a Warning
Expressing unwavering confidence in her party's grassroots support, Ganieve Kaur Majithia made a bold prediction. She claimed that if the nomination process is conducted in a fair and impartial manner, the Shiromani Akali Dal is poised to record a resounding victory in both the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. This claim positions the alleged obstruction not just as an electoral inconvenience, but as a necessary tactic by the ruling party to avoid an anticipated defeat.
The allegations have set the stage for a high-stakes confrontation between the principal opposition party and the AAP government. The response from the State Election Commission and the state administration will be closely watched, as it will determine whether the charges of a compromised nomination process hold weight and how the integrity of the upcoming local body elections will be preserved.
