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Gidderbaha byelection: EC notice to Manpreet, Warring for violating poll code
BJP’s Manpreet Badal accused of promising jobs to village youngsters, while Congress candidate Amrita’s husband Warring gets notice for addressing gathering at mosque.
Gidderbaha
BJP candidate Manpreet Badal and Ludhiana Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring have been served notices by the Election Commission for reportedly violating the model code of conduct while campaigning for the by-election.
Gidderbaha returning officer (RO) Jaspal Singh Brar said, “Two notices were served on Warring and one on Manpreet on Monday evening.“They submitted their replies within the stipulated deadline of 7 pm on Tuesday. In another case, Warring has been asked tender a reply by 3 pm tomorrow.”
The complaint against Manpreet, who is contesting to become a legislator for the sixth time, was based on a video evidence submitted by the Muktsar district public relations officer. It was alleged that Manpreet was trying to woo the rural electorate by claiming he could influence job recruitments for youngsters. “The block development and panchayat officer (BDPO) has been asked to corroborate the charges leveled against Manpreet. We expect a detailed report by Wednesday afternoon for further action,” said the RO.
The five-time MLA had to take to social media to clarify that he was only guiding rural youngsters about job opportunities and institutes that could prepare them for qualifying tests.
Punjab Congress chief Warring was served a notice for addressing a gathering at a mosque in Gidderbaha on Sunday. Warring’s wife Amrita is contesting on the Congress ticket and it was alleged that he had violated the Religious Institutes (Prevention of Misuse) Act. The state BJP leadership had submitted a complaint against Warring on Monday after which the EC served the notice.
Warring had posted photos of his political event at the mosque on his Facebook page.
According to the returning officer, the second show-cause notice was served on Warring on Tuesday afternoon about an allegation that the MP offered ₹50,000 to woo voters. “This matter was flagged by the chief electoral office. A team has been tasked with verifying the place where the alleged statement was made,” Brar added.
