Polling marred by booth capturing, clashes, and gunfire across multiple districts; election officials cancel voting in some areas and order re-polling
Punjab’s Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad elections descended into chaos on Sunday as approximately 9,300 candidates vied for 3,185 contested seats while voters faced sporadic violence at polling stations across the state.
Voting and Turnout
A 48 percent voter turnout was recorded across the elections for 2,838 Panchayat Samiti and 347 Zila Parishad seats, according to the State Election Commission. The figure could rise as voting continued in some districts until late evening due to heavy crowds at polling stations.
Despite dense fog blanketing several cities, including Jalandhar, voters began arriving at polling stations early in the morning. Voting officially ran from 8 am to 4 pm, but extended hours became necessary in numerous locations to accommodate long queues. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann cast his vote in his home constituency of Sangrur.
Violence and Attacks Reported
The elections were marred by a series of violent incidents that overshadowed the voting process. Attempts at booth capturing were reported in multiple locations, sparking clashes that left several people injured.
In Fattuwal village of Ferozepur, BJP candidate Jagdeep Singh was attacked by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) workers allegedly wielding scissors, resulting in serious injuries. Singh was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition. He also alleged that SAD workers had engaged in booth capturing at his polling station.
In Fatehgarh No Abad village of Talwandi Sabo, former SAD Zila Parishad member Gurpratap Singh was attacked by unidentified assailants and suffered a broken leg. He required hospitalization in serious condition.
The most intense confrontation occurred in Kajikot Kalan village of Tarn Taran assembly constituency, where a violent clash between SAD and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers escalated into gunfire. Stones and bricks were hurled by both sides, resulting in four people being injured in the melee.
In Dakha’s Halwara area, Varinder Singh, son of AAP Panchayat Samiti candidate Kuljit Kaur, was subjected to a life-threatening attack. Police registered a case against three people, including a former sarpanch, in connection with the incident.
Scattered incidents of violence were also reported in Amritsar, with AAP leader Sonia Mann alleging that Congress leaders had mobilized their supporters to attack AAP workers. Multiple clashes between party workers resulted in stone-throwing and injuries.
Technical Issues Prompt Cancellations and Re-polling
Election officials were forced to cancel polling in two locations due to printing errors on ballot papers. In Amritsar’s Khasa and Khurminia areas, the AAP candidate’s election symbol was incorrectly printed on ballot papers, necessitating the cancellation of Block Committee and District Council elections. Similarly, the BJP’s election symbol was found missing at a polling booth in Varapal village, leading to the cancellation of that election.
A critical error emerged in Barnala’s Mahal Kalan constituency, where the SAD’s election symbol was missing from ballot papers at booth number 20 in Raisar Patiala village. The discrepancy created tension in the area and prompted the State Election Commission to order re-polling.
Re-polling Scheduled Across Multiple Districts
The State Election Commission has scheduled re-polling for Tuesday, December 16, from 8 am to 4 pm across five districts to address complaints and technical issues:
Amritsar: Block Committee elections at Attari Khasa (booths 52, 53, 54, 55) and Warpal Kalan (booths 90, 91, 93, 94, 95)
Barnala: Block Committee election in Chananwal, Raisar Patiala village (booth 20)
Sri Muktsar Sahib: Elections in Babania (booths 63, 64) and Madhir (booths 21, 22)
Gurdaspur: Election in Chanhia (polling station 124)
Jalandhar: Panchayat Samiti election in Bhogpur (booth 72)
The elections, involving 8,098 candidates for Panchayat Samiti positions and 1,249 candidates for Zila Parishad positions, mark an important democratic exercise at the grassroots level in Punjab. However, the incidents of violence and electoral irregularities have raised concerns about the administration and conduct of the polling process.
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