Poll panel raises questions on Punjab govt’s ‘achievement booklet’

Sources say the EC might ask Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to pay for the money spent on the booklets as there is no mention of coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in it.

The Election Commission (EC) has raised questions on a booklet of achievements printed by the Punjab government, which is reportedly being distributed among the voters.

Subsequently, Punjab’s chief electoral office (CEO) has sought comments from chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal on the issue.

Cover of the booklet.

“We will send his (chief secretary) reply to the EC,” said additional chief electoral officer, Punjab, Manjit Singh Narang.

Sources say the EC might ask Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to pay for the money spent on the booklets as there is no mention of coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in it.

“Every government has the right to take its achievements to the people who have elected it. I think there’s no wrong in it,” said education minister Daljit Singh Cheema, who is also the SAD spokesperson.