Akali Dal urges deployment of central forces

Fearing large-scale rigging of polls in Punjab, Akali Dal (Badal) urged the EC to deploy central forces in whole of the state to ensure 'free and fair polls.'

Fearing large-scale rigging of polls in Punjab, Akali Dal (Badal) urged the Election Commission to deploy central forces in whole of the state to ensure 'free and fair polls.'

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"The EC has deployed BSF and CRPF in some parts of Patiala, Sangrur and Faridkot for May 10 polls but that is not enough. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh could 'intimidate' voters. He is already giving vitriolic speeches against Akalis," said Avtar Singh Hitt, President, Delhi unit.

"We are confident that he (the Chief Minister) would resort to massive rigging and booth capturing, on the lines of Bihar. We again requested the Election Commission today to deploy central forces in entire state to ensure free polling," he told reporters here.

The Akali delegation had earlier met met the full-bench EC on May 5 and apprised them of the situation in Punjab.

To see that voters are not intimidated, our workers would be keeping an eye on all the polling stations in Punjab, he said.