Cong delegation led by Amarinder meets CEC

A delegation of Punjab Congress leaders led by its president Amarinder Singh today met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and apprised him of law and order situation in state and brought to his notice the issue of bogus voters being prepared by ruling Akali-BJP alliance.
The PCC chief and other state leaders submitted a memorandum to the CEC, demanding the holding of a "free and fair" election to the state assembly due early next year.
"Appraised CEC Dr Zaidi of Punjab's pathetic situation and presented a memo on holding free and fair assembly elections," he said after the meeting.
Amarinder also brought to the CEC's notice the misuse of official machinery by Akalis during elections and cited the example of the 2012 election when they indulged in such practices.

Alleging that Punjab was being pushed to "a state of anarchy" ahead of 2017 assembly polls, he said, "there is a sense of fear and insecurity among people as gang-wars have become norm of the day".
He also alleged that policemen and common people were being killed and "political opponents are bullied into submission".

Citing recent incidents, Amarinder said religious preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadarianwale was attacked and his associate was killed after his car was chased for four kilometers.
The memorandum said about a month ago another prominent sect leader Namdhari Mata was shot dead and the police are still clueless.

Drawing the Commission's attention towards the issue of "bogus voters" allegedly by the ruling Akali-BJP combine, he said, "They have assigned the job to Aaganwari workers. They are not even part time employees of government. They are appointed by local Sarpanches. Obviously they will remain under their (the sarpanchs') influence".
Urging the Commission to stop the malice, he said, "I request you to call for urgent stop for preparation of voters by Aaganwari workers and the job must be assigned to regular government employees who will be accountable and answerable.