Talwandi Sabo Block Samiti Election Concludes Amid SAD Protests in Bathinda
The election for the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Talwandi Sabo block samiti took place on Tuesday, resulting in the selection of AAP members Jagwinder Singh and Mehma Singh, respectively. However, the process was marked by significant protests from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which alleged that its elected members were unjustly prevented from participating in the electoral proceedings.
Allegations of Exclusion and Police Barricades
SAD functionaries claimed that their members, despite arriving before the scheduled 11 a.m. election time, were stopped near the venue due to police barricades that restricted access. According to SAD leader Ravipreet Singh, the 25-member samiti comprises 10 SAD members, nine from AAP, and six from Congress. He asserted that this obstruction led to SAD members being unable to exercise their voting rights, potentially influencing the election outcome.
Official Responses and Denials
In contrast, AAP MLA Baljinder Kaur refuted these claims, stating that opposition members failed to coordinate among themselves and remained absent voluntarily. Bathinda deputy commissioner Rajesh Dhiman emphasized that the electoral process was completed peacefully, with the returning officer, SDM Talwandi Sabo, officially declaring the results. Senior superintendent of police Jyoti Yadav supported this view, noting that field reports indicated no elected member was stopped from participating and that the election was conducted in a calm and orderly manner.
Historical Context of Similar Allegations
This incident is not isolated, as SAD has raised similar allegations during recent block samiti elections in parts of Moga, Bathinda, and Mansa districts. These recurring disputes highlight ongoing tensions in local governance elections in the region, raising questions about procedural fairness and political rivalry.
The election underscores the volatile nature of local politics in Punjab, where such conflicts can impact community representation and administrative functions. As authorities maintain the integrity of the process, opposition parties continue to voice concerns over transparency and access in democratic exercises.
