Nabha BDPO transferred over alleged AAP support; third Punjab official facing action for 'favouritism'

The State Election Commission (SEC) has ordered the transfer of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) of Nabha, Baljit Kaur, after receiving complaints of alleged favouritism during the ongoing electoral process.

Baljit Kaur has become the third government official against whom the SEC has initiated action for reportedly extending undue support to candidates of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

On Monday, the BDO of Amloh Balpinder Singh was transferred. An inquiry has also been ordered on the viral audio of a conference call of police officers of Patiala, who were purportedly discussing plans to help the ruling party candidates in the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls, scheduled for December 14.

According to officials, the transfer was ordered to ensure a fair and transparent conduct of elections and to prevent any possibility of administrative influence.

The SEC has recently intensified its vigilance across districts, issuing strict instructions to administrative and field officers to maintain neutrality. Prior disciplinary actions have also been taken in similar cases where officers were found compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

Further details on the replacement for the BDPO and the status of the inquiry against Kaur are awaited.