The Punjab BJP has raised concerns over alleged assaults on democratic institutions during the recent local body elections in Punjab. The party submitted a memorandum to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, highlighting issues such as the misuse of official machinery, political intimidation, and administrative interference by the Aam Aadmi Party government. The BJP criticized the election process, citing procedural improprieties and manipulation that affected the fairness of the polls.
The party expressed disappointment that the elections did not reflect the free and fair will of the electorate as mandated by the Constitution. It pointed out instances of illegalities, including ward delimitation, intimidation of opposition candidates, and abuse of police and administrative resources. The BJP, along with the Congress, questioned the legitimacy of the results in Abohar Municipal Corporation and Morinda Municipal Council, alleging foul play by the AAP government despite having more support.
Amit Malviya, BJP’s National Information and Technology Department in-charge, raised concerns about the election process in Abohar, where the AAP candidate was declared Mayor despite the BJP being the single largest party. Malviya highlighted issues such as the lack of video recording during ballot counting and transparency concerns raised by the opposition. He emphasized the need for transparency in elections, stating that democracy should uphold the same standards for all political parties, and called for accountability in the electoral process.
