Punjab LoP Partap Singh Bajwa Criticizes AAP Over Panchayat Election Nomination Complications
The upcoming Panchayat elections in Punjab, scheduled for October 15, have sparked significant controversy, with the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, criticizing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Bajwa, a prominent Congress leader, has raised concerns over the complications faced by candidates in filing nominations for the elections, alleging gross negligence by government officials, which has left many candidates uncertain about key factors such as reservations and other nomination procedures.
On Saturday, in an interaction with ANI, Bajwa pointed out that despite assurances from the Punjab Chief Minister about ensuring free and fair elections, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. According to Bajwa, several key government officials—such as panchayat secretaries, BDPOs, and Tehsildars—have not been present in their offices, resulting in confusion and complications for candidates attempting to file their nominations. This absenteeism has led to delays and a lack of clarity, especially concerning reservations in different panchayat segments, making the nomination process unnecessarily difficult.
Bajwa expressed his frustration, stating, “On the floor of the house, the Chief Minister of Punjab had assured that the Panchayat elections will be conducted in a free and fair manner. However, for the past two days, no panchayat secretary, BDPO, or Tehsildar has been sitting in their respective offices. This has caused immense uncertainty for candidates.”
In response to the ongoing issues, Bajwa, along with other senior Congress leaders, approached the Punjab State Election Commission on Saturday to demand a resolution to the challenges faced by candidates during the nomination process. The Congress leaders have urged the election commission to intervene and ensure that the process runs smoothly, without any further hindrances.
Bajwa’s visit to the commission reflects the growing concerns within the Congress party over the administrative mismanagement under the AAP government. The Congress leader has repeatedly targeted the AAP for its inability to manage key administrative tasks, particularly when it comes to overseeing crucial democratic processes like elections.
The Punjab State Election Commission had earlier announced that the Gram Panchayat elections in the state would take place on October 15, 2023. Nomination filing for these elections began on September 27. The elections are set to cover an extensive electoral landscape, with voting scheduled for 13,237 ‘Sarpanches’ and 83,437 ‘Panches’ across the state.
This election is crucial not only for local governance but also as a political indicator ahead of future state assembly elections. The outcome will likely serve as a reflection of the performance and popularity of the AAP government, which has faced increasing criticism from opposition parties like Congress.
Bajwa did not limit his critique to just the Panchayat elections. He further predicted a bleak future for the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab, especially with regard to its performance in future elections. He boldly stated, “After these Panchayat elections, AAP will not reach double-digit seats in the next assembly elections.” This remark underscores Bajwa’s confidence that AAP’s current mismanagement of the Panchayat election process will result in a significant political blow to the party.
This criticism of AAP comes at a time when the party is already facing multiple challenges in Punjab. Bajwa’s prediction hints at a decline in AAP’s influence and positions Congress as a formidable contender in the state’s political landscape.
Despite the nomination complications, the Punjab State Election Commission has made comprehensive security arrangements to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly. A total of 96,000 personnel will be deputed for election duty, while 23 senior IAS/PCS officers will serve as general observers across districts. The election commission aims to ensure peaceful voting at the 19,110 polling booths that have been set up for this massive electoral exercise.
The presence of such a large security force reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring law and order during the polls. This is particularly important given the high stakes of these elections and the potential for unrest amid the administrative challenges candidates are currently facing.
This latest clash between Partap Singh Bajwa and the Aam Aadmi Party highlights the growing political battle in Punjab. As the Panchayat elections draw closer, tensions between the two parties are likely to escalate further. While Bajwa continues to criticize AAP for its administrative failures, AAP remains focused on defending its governance and trying to maintain its political foothold in the state.
For Bajwa and the Congress party, the Panchayat elections present an opportunity to regain lost ground in Punjab and challenge AAP’s dominance. The outcome of these local polls could set the tone for the larger political dynamics in the state ahead of the next assembly elections.
As Punjab gears up for its Panchayat elections on October 15, the political atmosphere is heating up. Partap Singh Bajwa’s harsh criticism of the AAP government over nomination complications reflects the growing tension between the opposition and the ruling party. With thousands of candidates vying for positions as Sarpanches and Panches, the administrative challenges surrounding the nomination process have raised questions about AAP’s ability to govern effectively. Moreover, with Congress leaders actively engaging the Punjab State Election Commission, it is clear that these elections are about more than just local governance—they represent a critical battleground for the future of Punjab’s political landscape.
Big news related to panchayat elections 2024, when will the polls be held in Punjab?
Major Announcement on Panchayat Elections, Voting Dates Confirmed In a significant development, the Election Commission has officially announced the dates for the upcoming Panchayat elections, which will take place across multiple phases. These elections, which serve as a cornerstone for grassroots governance in rural areas, will determine the local leadership responsible for village development and …
Stay connected with NH Punjab on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram for the latest news updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Engage with us online and be a part of our growing community.
Stay connected with NH PUNJAB, where your news journey begins.
Punjab Highways Department of NH Enhances Road Infrastructure and Connectivity
The Punjab Highways Department has improved road infrastructure and connectivity through the National Highways. In recent years, the Punjab Highways Department under the National Highways (NH) authority has undertaken numerous initiatives to modernize the road infrastructure in Punjab. As a vital state in North India, Punjab’s roadways play a crucial role in regional and national …
