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Punjab Votes ’07
Huge 81 per cent turnout in Valtoha
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

Valtoha, February 24
The border constituency of Valtoha today recorded an 81 per cent voter turnout, surpassing the state average of 76 per cent. District Election Officer Jaspal Singh issued notices to six MLAs and four candidates for violating directions of the Election Commission.

Mr Sher Singh Gagopwali (Congress MLA from Mansa), Mr Hari Singh Zira (Akali MLA from Zira), Mr Gurdev Singh Badal (Akali Dal MLA from Panjgrain), Mr Harbans Lal (Congress MLA from Anandpur Sahib), Mr Amrik Singh (Cong MLA from Samrala) and Mr Tej Parkash Singh, Congress nominee from Payal, Mr Sarup Chand Singla, Akali candidate from Bathinda, Mr Mahesh Singh Badal, Congress candidate from Lambi, Mr Jagdish Sahni, BJP candidate from Batala, and Mr Amarpal Singh Bony, Akali candidate from Ajnala.

Talking to The Tribune, DEO Jaspal Singh, DEO said all leaders were found camping in the constituency though there were clear instructions all outsiders must leave 48 hours before the polling. They had been directed to reply within 48 hours, failing which action would be recommended against them.

All entry points to Valtoha were sealed and the police checked every vehicle entering the constituency.

The commission had directed the administration and the police to ensure checking of community halls where outsiders could be housed.

Interestingly, villagers dotting the border with Pakistan also recorded heavy polling. The Hindu-dominated Khalra town, only 8 km from the border, Amarkot , Khalra (Asia's biggest market of red chilies) and Khemkarn showed a keen interest in the polling.