Tensions erupt in Moga’s Baghapurana over Block Samiti Chairman election

Tensions ran high in Baghapurana town of Moga district on Wednesday as protests erupted during the election for the Block Samiti Chairman. Elected members from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress party accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of manipulating the electoral process despite lacking a majority.

The Baghapurana Block Samiti comprises 23 members: SAD holds 13 seats, Congress has 2, AAP has 7, and one member is independent. Despite the opposition’s numerical advantage, SAD and Congress alleged that AAP made forceful attempts to secure the chairmanship for its candidate.

SAD and Congress leaders claimed that their members were forcibly confined to a room just before the election began, allegedly to prevent them from participating. In the presence of the sitting AAP MLA for Baghapurana, Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, an AAP candidate was declared elected as Block Samiti Chairman.

The situation escalated rapidly as party workers outside the complex learned of these developments. Enraged, protesters scaled boundary walls, broke windows, and forced their way into the premises. This led to clashes and heated confrontations with the police, who struggled to maintain order.

As news of the alleged confinement spread among other Samiti members, they launched a protest of their own, shutting the main gates of the complex and trapping the local MLA and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) inside. The situation remained tense until a large police contingent arrived. After restoring some control, the police escorted both the MLA and the SDM out of the building.

Following this, a large number of SAD workers and leaders marched to the main intersection in Baghapurana and blocked it completely. The area soon filled with protesters chanting slogans and staging a demonstration against the state government.

Providing details of the allegations, SAD leader Rajwinder Singh criticized the actions, calling them another instance of the local MLA resorting to “gunda-gardi.” He alleged that despite lacking a majority, the AAP orchestrated a forced election by holding SAD members hostage — an act he described as tyrannical and a mockery of democratic principles. He added that the party would move the High Court to seek justice.

Other Akali Dal members present during the election alleged that they were summoned at 9 am, only to be locked in a room upon arrival. They further claimed that, in clear collusion, the local MLA and the administration proceeded with the election in their absence. Even as they attempted to protest from inside, they alleged that police prevented them from leaving or making their presence known.

Despite repeated attempts, no administrative official came forward to address the media, and some were seen leaving the scene. The SDM also did not respond to multiple phone calls seeking clarification.

The blockade at the main Baghapurana chowk continues, with SAD and Congress leaders and workers maintaining their protest. The area remains heavily policed as authorities attempt to defuse the situation.