Kapurthala voters to decide fate of 278 candidates today

The Kapurthala district administration has finalised arrangements for free and fair Municipal Corporation and nagar panchayat elections, with 158 polling parties reaching their designated stations.In the elections, voters will decide the fate of 278 candidates contesting across various constituencies. Phagwara Municipal Corporation has 173 candidates vying for 50 wards, while Bholath has 20 candidates, Begowal 34, Dhilwan 22 and Nadala 29.

District Electoral Officer (DEO) and Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal urged voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights. He assured that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure peaceful and fair polling.

The Deputy Commissioner announced that December 21 would be observed as a “dry day” in the polling areas, as per the Punjab Excise Act, 1914. Liquor shops will remain closed and serving alcohol in hotels or restaurants will be prohibited.

To maintain order, the DC also issued a ban on the use of mobile phones, wireless devices, loudspeakers and megaphones within a 100-m radius of polling stations. These restrictions, however, do not apply to polling staff or officials authorised by competent authorities. Additionally, no candidate or party will be allowed to set up polling booths or tents within 200 m of polling stations.

For voters lacking photo voter ID cards, alternative identification documents such as PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, driving licences, MNREGA job cards, bank or post office passbooks, pension documents or passports will be accepted as valid proof to cast their vote.

The administration has assured all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth electoral process.