Chandigarh, May 13
An assertive Election Commission today intervened to stop telecast of a controversial programme on a television channel during polling in Punjab. The Commission’s attention was drawn to a panel discussion being aired by PTC channel. The discussion centred around the Prime Minister’s reported statement that the Sikh community needed to move on while speaking about the 1984 anti-sikh riots.

As the discussion dragged on, the Chief Electoral Officer took note of it and reported the matter to the EC. Directions were then given to the deputy commissioners of different districts to ensure that the telecast is stopped. The programme was stopped and PTC remained off the air for a few hours in Chandigarh. Sources said that the EC felt the programme could incite voters.

In Moga, a reporter with the electronic media alleged that acid was thrown at him when he and the photo-journalist accompanying him were trying to record SAD workers moving in vehicles with weapons. The incident occurred near the residence of former SAD minister Tota Singh and the journalists alleged that Tota’s son Makhan Brar led the mob which attacked them. Makhan, however, claimed he was not present at the spot when the alleged incident took place and denied the allegation.

Punjab DGP K K Attri said that only five cases were registered all over the state during the day, including two cases in Moga and one case each in Nawanshahr, Batala and Khanna and attributed the peaceful conduct of polls to the elaborate police arrangements. Two cases were registered against two sitting Congress MLAs in Moga, Joginder Pal Jain and Darshan Singh Brar. Jain was booked for allegedly beating up a car driver and using casteist remarks while Brar was accused of forcibly entering a polling booth.

Congress leader and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh alleged that the cases had been lodged by the government in retaliation to the case registered against Akali legislator Bikram Singh Majithia. While Jain also denied the charge against him, Brar claimed he had tried to prevent bogus voting.

In Fatehgarh Sahib a stabbing incident was reported at Furaur village near Khamanon, which resulted in three persons being injured. A case is yet to be registered in the matter.