Review police postings in Punjab, Oppn urges EC

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 15

In a meeting with the Election Commission of India, the Opposition parties today expressed concern over the recent postings of senior police officers and on the law and order situation, which can hamper free and fair elections in the state. The parties demanded the review of the SSPs’ postings.

Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Mahesinder Singh Grewal, who represented the Shiromani Akali Dal, demanded review of all postings and transfers of all SSPs, DSPs and other senior officers allegedly done with the “ulterior motive of influencing” the outcome of the elections. They also expressed concern over a Cabinet Minister levelling serious allegations of corruption in the postings and transfers of SSPs and DSPs.

The SAD also raised the issue how the state could not appoint a regular DGP and demanded that a regular DGP may be brought in so as to build confidence among the people of the state.

Anil Sarin, chief spokesperson of the Punjab BJP, said they asked the Election Commission to review the recent postings of SSPs and other police officials that had been made as per the convenience of local MLAs and ministers. They expressed fear over the misuse of government machinery by the ruling Congress in the elections. Apart from that, they apprised the commission regarding prevailing law and order situation in the state. They along with the SAD also demanded deployment of central forces at all polling booths.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which was represented by its general secretary Gagandeep Singh Chadha, expressed concern over the law and order situation in the state. It alleged the bureaucracy was biased and could favour the Congress in the elections. It also demanded videography at each booth and requested for making the nomination process smooth.

Mohinderpal Singh, office secretary of the Communist Party of India, demanded that voting should take place on ballot paper instead of EVMs. Apart from this, he demanded that election manifestos of the political parties should be made binding on the parties. The party also demanded a close watch on use of liquor and money to garner votes.

Probe corruption charges: Capt

Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday asked Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi why he had not ordered an investigation into the allegations of corruption in postings of the SSPs and DSPs in Punjab, as alleged by one of his Cabinet colleagues.

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