Tensions Rise in Punjab Over Block Samiti Election
Tensions erupted in Baghapurana, a town in Punjab’s Moga district, as the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of “stealing” the block samiti chairman election. The allegations came after SAD claimed that despite having fewer elected members, AAP declared victory in the polls. The incident sparked outrage among SAD workers, who vandalized the gate of the block development and panchayat officer (BDPO) office, accusing AAP MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand of manipulating the election.
As tensions escalated, a heavy police presence was deployed to the scene to manage the situation. The police evacuated MLA Sukhanand amidst heavy sloganeering from SAD workers, who accused the ruling party of “brazen hooliganism.” The situation further intensified when SAD workers, led by party in-charge Tirath Singh Mahla, blocked the national highway and staged a sit-in protest at Baghapurana Main Chowk.
Sukhjeet Singh Mahla, a leader of the Youth Akali Dal and son of Tirath Singh Mahla, stated that in the 25-member block samiti, SAD had 13 elected members, while AAP had 8 and Congress 3, with one independent member. He claimed that even with support from a Congress member, SAD's strength was 14, yet AAP declared its candidate the winner. The SAD alleged that AAP locked nine women members in a room to prevent them from voting, accusing the ruling party of outright election theft.
In response, MLA Sukhanand defended his actions, stating that five SAD women members chose not to vote willingly after discussions with him. He insisted that they were not locked in a room and that his team had the right to negotiate with the members. He mentioned that police would take action against SAD workers for vandalizing public property at the BDPO office.
The protest subsided late on Tuesday after a DSP-rank officer arrived and held talks with the protesting SAD leaders. They agreed to file an official complaint regarding the alleged captivity of their women members. Sukhjeet Mahla announced their plans to approach the high court to seek the cancellation of the election, which they claim was hijacked by AAP.
