Civic polls: SAD, BJP seek probe into 'politico-admin nexus'

A joint delegation of the SAD and the BJP today urged Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore to order a judicial probe into the "politico-administration- election-observer nexus" which has "throttled" democracy during elections to the municipal bodies in the state.
They alleged that the "nexus" was working to "further" the cause of the Congress.
The delegation, led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and State BJP chief Vijay Sampla, said this "nexus" had "conspired" to "harass" SAD-BJP candidates at every stage of the election process including denying them no objection certificates and even refusing to accept their nomination papers.
The delegation told the Governor that they were approaching him because representations to the State Election Commission did not bear fruit and elections were not countermanded at four places which witnessed "widespread violence against Akali workers, besides physical assaulted tearing up of nomination papers.

Sukhbir also urged the Governor to direct the Congress government to requisition para-military forces to conduct the forthcoming elections to municipal bodies.
He said there was no possibility of a free and fair election in the present circumstances.

"An atmosphere of fear has been created in the minds of people and there is likelihood of mass rigging and violence against SAD-BJP workers. In such a situation only para- military forces can ensure conduct of free and fair elections," he added.
The delegation members, which included MPs Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Balwinder Singh Bhundur and Prem Singh Chandumajra, also urged the governor to issue strict instructions to the chief secretary that he will be held responsible if officials play a partisan role in the civic elections.

The delegation also urged the Governor to ask for an explanation from the state government as to why the Punjab Congress chief was issuing statements "on behalf of the police force".
It said the manner in which Sunil Jakhar had issued statements on police functioning made it amply clear that the police was "not working in an independent manner".