Punjab Cong leaders meet CEC, want transfer of DGP

A delegation of Punjab Congress leaders today met Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath and handed over a memorandum seeking the transfer of state police chief Sumedh Singh Saini and holding of Lok Sabha poll in a single phase.
The delegation, led by PCC President Pratap Singh Bajwa, sought the EC's support in ensuring right to privacy of voters so that they exercise their right to franchise without any pressure on undue influence.
"Cognizance must be taken of the role of current Director General of Police Sumedh Singh Saini....His transfer and monitoring of his activities post removal from this very important post is critical for ensuring that the police do not hinder free and fair elections in Punjab," they said.

The memorandum said wanted "parliamentary constituencies to go to polls on the same day in a single-phase election for the state. In 2009, the state saw a two-phase election, this allowed ruling Akali Dal to move musclemen, money and other resources conveniently all over the state."
The delegation also sought appointment of observers from non-NDA ruled states, besides seeking appointment of IPS officers as district police chiefs during elections alleging the Akali-BJP government in the state has appointed a number of state police officers as chiefs in districts with an eye on elections.
The Congress delegation also sought removal of such PPS and PCS officers given extention by the current Akali government.

The delegation comprised Union Minister Manish Tiwari, CLP leader Sunil Jakhar, besides MP Vijay Inder Singla and former Minister Surinder Singla besides some sitting MLAs.