E-Paper
Poll code violation: AAP’s Baba Bakala MLA arrested, released on bail
Ruling AAP MLA from Baba Bakala Dalbir Singh Tong was arrested in Jalandhar on Wednesday for allegedly violating the model code of conduct.
Jalandhar
Ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Baba Bakala Dalbir Singh Tong was arrested in Jalandhar on Wednesday for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. He was later released on bail, Punjab chief electoral officer Sibin C said.
According to the model code of conduct, no person from outside the polling constituency can remain in the area after the campaign period is over without the permission of the Election Commission or a valid reason.
The action came after the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have filed a written complaint with Election Commission of India alleging presence of outsiders in the constituency on a polling eve.
Sibin C said the action against Tong was taken under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code.
Both the parties sought cancellation of AAP candidate Sushil Kumar Rinku’s candidature under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Congress MLA from Shahkot Hardev Laddi Sherowalia ‘intercepted’ Tong for allegedly intimidating voters in Rupewal village. Congress workers also held the AAP MLA hostage before he was handed over to the police.
In Jalandhar Cantt assembly constituency, BJP leader Sarabjit Singh Makkar ‘caught’ AAP legislator from Ludhiana East Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal while riding a pillion on a two-wheeler. Amritsar West MLA Jasbir Singh Sandhu and Amritsar East MLA Ajay Gupta could also be seen sitting at AAP polling booths.
In a statement, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the AAP flouted the ECI guidelines, which restrict leaders of other segments from election duty in poll-bound constituencies. “The ruling party deployed its leaders and their patrolling vehicles for the Jalandhar bypoll which is unlawful,” he alleged.
Lambasting the AAP leadership, Warring said that stunned by its defeat in the Sangrur Lok Sabha bypoll last year, the party first attempted “poaching politics, then it tried vendetta politics and finally resorted to flouting ECI guidelines to maintain its existence in the state. “Owing to its government’s utter failure on all the fronts, AAP was making futile efforts to mislead the voters once again,” he added.
Warring said the Punjab Congress has filed a complaint against MLAs of Baba Bakala Dalbir Singh Tong, Amritsar West Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Ludhiana East Daljit Singh Grewal Bhola, Ludhiana West Gurpreet Gogi, Jaitu Amolak Singh and Amritsar Central Ajay Gupta for being present in the Jalandhar constituency despite ECI guidelines. He also urged the authority to take stringent action against the offenders.
The BJP has also named Tong, Ludhiana North MLA Manda Lal Bagha, Ludhiana East legislator Daljeet Singh Bhola), Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi, Amritsar West MLA Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Amritsar East representative Ajay Gupta of and Markfed chairman Sham Sundar in its complaint.
BJP state president Ashwani Sharma said the ruling party MLAs have committed serious violations of the model code of conduct and action must be taken against them under the Indian Penal of Code, Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and Representation of the People Act.
The BJP also attached photos and videos with the written complaint filed with the ECI.
In a statement, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Daljit Singh Cheema accused the poll staff and police of violation of ECI guidelines.
The SAD also demanded the suspension of deputy commissioner and commissioner of police of Jalandhar who had allegedly colluded with the AAP to ensure illegal benefit to its candidate during voting.
Asking the ECI to take action against officers, SAD-BSP joint candidate Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi said: “The officials are also guilty of misleading the election commission and have not informed it of serious irregularities by AAP leaders and workers”.
