Stage set for ZP, panchayat samiti polls in Punjab

Detailed security arrangements have been put in place for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls to be held in Punjab on Wednesday.While the ruling Congress has expressed confidence over registering a "clean sweep" in the local body polls, both Aam Aadmi Party and the Akali Dal-BJP combine are optimistic about there chances "provided the state election commission ensures free and fair elections."Saying ruling Congress wants to win the elections "by hook or by crook", opposition parties have expressed fear of "large scale booth capturing" by the ruling party workers.A total of 354 Zila Parishad members and 2,900 Panchayat Samitis members are going to be elected in the polls, officials said. There are 22 Zila Parishads and 150 Panchayat Samitis in the state.There are 1,27,87,395 total registered voters, comprising 60,99,053 female voters and 97 from the third gender.Tight security arrangements have been put in place with around 50,000 personnel from Punjab police deputed to prevent any untoward incident, officials said.A total of 17,268 polling booths will be set up and 86,340 personnel will be put on election duty. A total of 35 observers will be appointed to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls, officials said.The voting time will be from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. The counting will take place on September 22.With the Congress being regarded as the most likely winner of the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls after a gap of ten years, the main contest will be between the ruling party and Akali Dal-BJP combine.Kin of a few state ministers, including Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Sukhbinder Sarkaria, and some legislators, including Fatehjang Bajwa, Balvinder Singh, will try their luck in the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls.With Congress confident of victory on the back of fulfillment of poll promises -- debt waiver and good governance, Akali Dal, BJP and AAP have targeted the state government for not honouring promises such as smart phones for youths, raising shagun scheme amount, among others.Ever since the process of nominations started this month, opposition parties Akali Dal, BJP and AAP have accused the Amarinder Singh government of "murdering democracy" for allegedly stopping their candidates from participating in the upcoming polls by resorting to hooliganism.The opposition has even accused the state election commission of acting at the behest of the state government.A few clashes have also been reported between the Akalis and Congress workers during filing of nominations.Punjab cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa on Tuesday expressed confidence on registering a clean sweep by the ruling party in tomorrow's polls.SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said he fears Congress workers will capture booths and instigate violence. "I was told by a senior police officer that the CM has given directions to all the SSPs in the state to not take any action against Congress workers," alleged Sukhbir."The Punjab election commission chief should resign as he seems to be working as a congress worker. If there is any incident of poll rigging and if our party worker is attacked, it will be the CM's responsibility," alleged Sukhbir.Main opposition party leaders echoed Sukhbir's views. Co-president of AAP's Punjab unit Balbir Singh said, "Our candidates are being threatened by Congress workers. Liquor is being offered to lure voters by Congress workers.

Stage set for ZP, panchayat samiti polls in Punjab

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