Zila parishad poll: Videograph entire process, BJP urges Punjab election panel

A BJP delegation on Thursday met State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari, seeking strict orders to ensure neutrality of officials and mandatory videography of the entire election process.

The delegation including Punjab BJP general secretary Jagmohan Singh Raju handed over a letter written by state BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, raising the demands.

In the letter, Sharma said several returning officers and police officials were allegedly functioning under the undue the influence of ruling AAP, resulting in “obstruction and interference” during the filing of nomination papers by Opposition candidates.

Concern expressed over neutrality of officials

Sharma said all candidates must be permitted to file nominations without any hindrance and that neutrality of officials must be enforced to safeguard the democratic process. Sharma highlighted previous instances from earlier local body elections, in which state officials allegedly acted at the behest of the ruling party to prevent the BJP and Opposition candidates from filing nominations.

The delegation urged the Election Commission to order the videography of the entire election process, including the filing of nominations, scrutiny of papers, polling and counting.

The delegation requested that the panchayat samiti elections for Dera Bassi, Kharar and Majri be held together with that of Mohali, avoiding double administrative effort, unnecessary financial expenditure and repeated disruption of official functioning.

The party said comprehensive videography would enhance transparency, deter misuse of official authority, and ensure the availability of verifiable evidence in case of any dispute or investigation.