DC office turns into fortress for CM visit

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 25

The District Administrative Complex (DAC) here was converted into a fortress on Thursday ahead of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s visit. He was to accompany Congress candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring to file nomination papers of the Lok Sabha elections from Bathinda.

The entry to the DAC was restricted from the front gate, from where the Chief Minister had to arrive, and people were told to come from the other gate.

The residents visiting the complex for their official work had to face the heat of the VIP visit as many had to wait for long or had to return disappointed.

The local police and CM security did not allow anyone to stand in the waiting area outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

A young student, who had come along with her mother from a village to meet the Deputy Commissioner regarding her scholarship, citing his busy schedule, was asked to wait till 3 pm. Later, on her persuasion, she was sent to the ADC office for a meeting.

Other candidates who came to file their nomination papers were also made to wait outside the DC office. They were allowed to submit their nomination papers only after the CM went back. 

Police personnel were deployed throughout the city. Special Operation Group (SOG) police commandos were also deployed on city roads.

A senior police personnel said “We do not wish to stop people or harass anyone, but it is the protocol for Chief Minister’s security, which we have to follow”.

A resident, who returned disappointed from the DC office, said “Only the candidate should be allowed to file nomination as everyone comes to DC office with a complaint or urgent work. The CM’s visit has affected our work. Some of us have come from far away villages, leaving all our work and bearing travel expenses. We will now have to come back again some other day”.