2 hurt as Navjot Sidhu, Bikram Majithia supporters clash

2 hurt as Sidhu, Majithia supporters clash Amritsar: A clash between the supporters of PPCC Navjot Singh Sidhu and former Cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia led to firing in Verka. Two persons — one from each side — were allegedly injured. Following a complaint by Harpal Singh, a close confidant of Sidhu, the police have booked three persons for murder bid and under the Arms Act. They were identified as Lakhbir Singh, Manpreet Singh and Bikram Singh, all of Verka. Harpal Singh, a resident of Verka, told the police that he got an information that supporters of Bikram Majithia were distributing suits to lure residents to vote in SAD’s favour. He said he along with Baba Lakhwinder Singh, Lovedeep Singh and Kanwal reached near Theke Wali Gali in Verka near the Verka bus stop. He said Lakhbir, Manpreet and Bikram came in an SUV and challenged them. They fired at him but Lakhwinder came in front to save him. He suffered a bullet injury on his thigh. He said the accused attacked them at the behest of former SAD district president Upkar Singh Sandhu. On the other hand, Lakhbir Singh also lodged a complaint with the police saying that Harpal and others were distributing liquor to lure voters. He said it was Harpal, who fired at him leaving him injured. He denied distributing suits to lure voters. Sukhjit Singh, SHO Verka police station, said the police were verifying the facts. Meanwhile, firing incident also raise a question mark and indicate that police failed to get all weapons deposited in view of the poll. — PK Jaiswar

Altercation between key contestants seen in Amrisar North

Amritsar: Blame and counter blames were made by key contestants in the Amritsar North constituency posing a tension-like situation during the last leg of the polling process here. The main contest here is between the IG-turned-politician Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh, AAP candidate and former minister and SAD candidate Anil Joshi. It is alleged that the supporters of both the sides indulged in altercation around 6pm when the doors were closed at polling booth number 117 and 119 located in Gurukul Public School. Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh demanded a re-poll in both the booths while alleging that the contestants of opposite parties tried to influence the voters who were inside the closed polling station. He said he had informed the DGP and the Police Commissioner and returning officers in this regard. He claimed to have captured a video of the whole episode. He alleged that at least 500 outsiders gained access to create a ruckus. He said 200 voters who were inside the complex left without casting their votes out of fear. On the other hand, Joshi claimed that Kunwar tried to misuse his position as former IG to influence the cops who were on duty and was asking the voters to vote in his favour which was highly objectionable. This had agitated the workers who gathered outside the school premises. Prabhjot Singh Virk, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, said the matter was resolved and the polling was executed in a fair manner. — PK Jaiswar

It’s old vs new in Jandiala, Baba Bakala

Amritsar: In rural areas, the idea of change as proposed by the Aam Aadmi Party seems to have caught the fancy of teenagers and people in early 20s, whom the elderly refer to as ‘mandeer’ (young and immature men). However, this ‘mandeer’ seemed to have given a tough competition to seasoned and experienced cadre of traditional political parties. From managing the party booths to holding the charge of polling agents, they seemed to have learnt it all. In comparison to other four rural segments, the idea seems more close to the hearts of the youth in two reserved constituencies — Jandiala and Baba Bakala. Interestingly, in both these constituencies, AAP candidates had fared well even during the 2017 Assembly elections. In Jandiala, AAP candidate Harbhajan Singh ETO had polled nearly 34,000 votes in 2017. In Baba Bakala, the party candidate Dalbir Singh Tong polled nearly 40,000 votes. The party had again fielded the duo from their respective constituencies. The Congressmen and SAD leaders from the constituencies, however, dismissed the support AAP is getting by claiming that people still listen to the old leaders in villages. It would be interesting to watch if the young and inexperienced would manage to break the citadels of the old guard. — Manmeet Singh Gill

Voters mask up

Amritsar: The Covid-19 instructions were followed at polling stations in the district. The voters were not allowed to cast vote without masks. The masks were distributed inside the polling station. During a visit to several polling booths in the Attari, Jandiala, Baba Bakala and Majitha constituencies, it was observed that health staff was offering free masks and gloves to every voter. Infrared forehead thermometers for testing of Covid-19 were also being used on some of the polling stations. Saroup Singh, Senior Health officer at Khankot village, said, “It is mandatory to wear mask while casting vote. As per the guidelines, we are offering masks, sanitisers and gloves to the voters. The Health Department made these arrangements on all booths.” It has also been observed that after casting votes vote, the voters were throwing the used masks on roadside and outside the polling station. — Charanjit Singh Teja

Poll violation: Former sarpanch booked

Tarn Taran: The Bhikhiwind police have booked Gurmej Singh, former sarpanch of Bhagwanpur village, for violating Model Code of Conduct. The accused was organising a gathering of about 90 villagers and serving liquor to them. ASI Naresh Kumar, Investigating Officer (IO), said the accused had violated the instructions issued by the Election Commission and the District Magistrate. The ASI said a case under Section 188 of the IPC was registered. — Gurbaxpuri