BJP, Congress hail SC decision on Patiala civic body poll
Patiala: BJP Mahila Morcha Punjab president Jai Inder Kaur on Monday hailed the Supreme Court directive for fresh elections to the Patiala municipal corporation following alleged irregularities in the poll process under the Aam Aadmi Party govt.
She welcomed the apex court’s decision and termed it a victory for democracy.
Jai Inder Kaur alleged that AAP-backed individuals had torn opposition candidates’ nomination papers, prevented them from filing nominations and violated democratic norms during the elections.
She said the matter was first taken to the high court and subsequently to the Supreme Court, which constituted a fact-finding committee headed by Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, a former high court judge.
Following the committee’s report, the Supreme Court issued directions for fresh elections and sought responses from the Punjab State Election Commission and the Punjab chief secretary by Sept 28, Jai Inder Kaur said.
“This decision is a victory for every vigilant citizen of Patiala who stood firmly for the protection of their right to vote and for the restoration of a free and fair democratic process. The people of Patiala will now have the opportunity to exercise their franchise without fear or pressure and elect the municipal corporation and mayor of their choice,” she said.
Jai Inder Kaur criticised the AAP govt’s “anti-democratic approach” and thanked BJP functionaries and workers for “opposing intimidation and fighting to safeguard democratic rights”.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also welcomed the Supreme Court decision. “A major democratic victory for the people of Patiala! Following the Supreme Court’s directions, the Election Commission has been asked to finalise and present the schedule for the Patiala municipal corporation elections within 7 days,” he posted on his X account.
“This case highlights serious questions about transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The Bhagwant Mann govt attempted to influence the election process. But the era of ruling by intimidation, threats and the police baton is coming to an end. The people of Patiala will answer with their vote,” he added.
She welcomed the apex court’s decision and termed it a victory for democracy.
Jai Inder Kaur alleged that AAP-backed individuals had torn opposition candidates’ nomination papers, prevented them from filing nominations and violated democratic norms during the elections.
She said the matter was first taken to the high court and subsequently to the Supreme Court, which constituted a fact-finding committee headed by Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, a former high court judge.
Following the committee’s report, the Supreme Court issued directions for fresh elections and sought responses from the Punjab State Election Commission and the Punjab chief secretary by Sept 28, Jai Inder Kaur said.
“This decision is a victory for every vigilant citizen of Patiala who stood firmly for the protection of their right to vote and for the restoration of a free and fair democratic process. The people of Patiala will now have the opportunity to exercise their franchise without fear or pressure and elect the municipal corporation and mayor of their choice,” she said.
Jai Inder Kaur criticised the AAP govt’s “anti-democratic approach” and thanked BJP functionaries and workers for “opposing intimidation and fighting to safeguard democratic rights”.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also welcomed the Supreme Court decision. “A major democratic victory for the people of Patiala! Following the Supreme Court’s directions, the Election Commission has been asked to finalise and present the schedule for the Patiala municipal corporation elections within 7 days,” he posted on his X account.
“This case highlights serious questions about transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The Bhagwant Mann govt attempted to influence the election process. But the era of ruling by intimidation, threats and the police baton is coming to an end. The people of Patiala will answer with their vote,” he added.
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