Act disrepute to poll process, murder of democracy, say Akali leaders

The latest audio clip making rounds on social media, in which police officials in Patiala are allegedly heard saying not to let Akalis reach nomination centres and to tear their nomination papers for the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections scheduled for December 14, has kicked up a storm. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders here feel that it was a disrepute to the entire election process and murder of democracy.

At the same time, Manpreet Singh Ayali — the rebellion in the party — maintained that he was not much aware about what had happened as he had nothing to do with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and his candidates were busy contesting the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections as Independent candidates on 28 seats.

Talking to The Tribune, senior Akali leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal said the ruling AAP government had stooped to the lowest level. “What else can you expect from them? They are openly targeting the Election Commission and are murdering democracy,” said Maheshinder Grewal, adding that the ruling party knows that in rural areas the masses have great faith in the party and its leaders. “Hence, this is their fear — the fear of losing the elections. But with strength, they will never be able to garner votes,” rued Grewal.

The audio clip even mentioned the name of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Advocate Paropkar Singh Ghuman, who had contested the Ludhiana West elections on the SAD ticket and lost to AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora, said the AAP government and democracy were poles apart. “An official asking subordinates to tear nomination papers of Akalis, it’s not a conducive atmosphere in the state. The law and order situation has gone from bad to worse. Instead of looking into such sensitive matters, the police and the government machinery are busy settling scores with the Akalis,” he said.