In a bold move echoing the growing tensions in Punjab’s political arena, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C on Monday stepped into action following explosive allegations from the state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The saffron party, amidst the backdrop of farmer protests and campaign woes, accused the opposing parties of orchestrating a systematic campaign to stifle their candidates’ electoral efforts. Taking strong note, Punjab CEO Sibin C swiftly demanded answers from the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav in response to BJP’s grave allegations, signaling a potential showdown in the run-up to the polls.

A delegation of Punjab BJP, led by its president Sunil Jakhar, expressed apprehensions regarding the conduct of free and fair elections and the safety of their candidates during the campaign period. They claimed that the BJP candidates have encountered protests from farmers while canvassing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. These protests have included farmers questioning BJP leaders and displaying black flags, signaling dissatisfaction with the party’s stance on certain issues, they added.

Jakhar, presenting the party’s concerns to the CEO, asserted that BJP candidates were facing undue pressure to withdraw from their campaign activities due to alleged obstructions orchestrated by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other political entities. Mincing no words, Jakhar asserted that BJP candidates were being “coerced into abandoning their campaigns”, alluding to potential connivance between the ruling AAP and other political factions to impede the BJP's electoral efforts.

The memorandum submitted by the BJP delegation emphasized the failure of the state machinery to ensure the fair participation of BJP candidates in the electoral process. Jakhar underscored the importance of providing an equal platform for all candidates to campaign, warning that the unchecked protests and disruptions could lead to unforeseen consequences, including violence and clashes.

“If the election machinery does not intervene to check this well-planned conspiracy against the BJP, it will vitiate the elections rendering both the process and the final outcome unfair…Free and fair elections and the right to campaign have always remained quintessential ingredients in flourishing democracies. This epistle is to bring to your notice and highlight our apprehension of a well-calibrated ‘sponsored’ denial of the right of the BJP candidates to campaign in Punjab in the backdrop of the deteriorating law and order situation under the incumbent AAP government led by Bhagwant Mann,” said Jakhar.

The state machinery cannot act as a “conduit” to facilitate such obstructions, said Jakhar, adding, “We apprehend threats to the safety of our candidates during elections”.

The BJP's memorandum also raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, citing incidents of disruption and denial of the right to campaign to their candidates. Jakhar called upon the Chief Electoral Officer, state administration, and police apparatus to ensure unhindered access for BJP candidates to all parts of the State.

Jakhar further expressed dismay over incidents such as the recent death of a farmer in Patiala during the campaign of BJP candidate Preneet Kaur. He urged the authorities to investigate such incidents promptly and ensure the safety of all candidates participating in the elections.

The state BJP chief also alleged a deliberate attempt by certain political parties to thwart the BJP's electoral prospects in Punjab, attributing these disruptions to their increasing influence in the State. He called for accountability from the state's top officials, including the DGP and the Chief Secretary, for lapses leading to campaign obstructions and threats to candidate security.

Jakhar reiterated the BJP’s faith in the electoral process and urged the CEO to intervene urgently to address their concerns. He emphasized the need for the CEO’s office to play an active role in safeguarding the democratic rights of all political parties and ensuring a level playing field in the electoral arena.

NOMINATIONS  TO BEGIN FOR PUNJAB TODAY 

 Announcing the election schedule of Lok Sabha polls, Punjab CEO Sibin C on Monday said that the gazette notification for the elections is scheduled to be issued on May 7, with the last date for filing nominations is May 14 (Tuesday), followed by scrutiny of nominations on May 15 (Wednesday).

“The candidates can withdraw their nominations till May 17 (Friday). The Polling day is scheduled for June 1 (Saturday) in Punjab, with the counting of votes set for June 4 (Tuesday) encompassing the entire country, including Punjab. The final date for the completion of elections is June 6 (Thursday),” he said, adding that the hours of polling will be from 7 am to 6 pm.

Sibin C said that nominations can be filed to Deputy Commissioners-cum-Returning Officers in all constituencies, between 11 am and 3 pm on any of the notified days, other than a public holiday, from May 7 to 14.

Sibin C said that May 10 being Lord Parshuram Jayanti is not a holiday under negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officer on that day and May 11 being the second Saturday and May 12 being Sunday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers cannot be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.