AAP faces allegations of booth capturing as Muktsar village voting halts with MLA’s brother reportedly storming polling station

In recent Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Punjab’s Malwa region, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced severe allegations of booth capturing. This controversy reached its peak in Muktsar district, specifically in Babania village, where a relative of a current MLA allegedly disrupted the voting process. Polling was largely quiet but marred by reports of misconduct from AAP activists.

Allegations of Booth Capturing

At polling booth number 64 in Babania village, the brother of Gidderbaha MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, identified as Sunny Dhillon, was accused of forcibly removing non-AAP polling agents. Reports claim he stamped ballots by hand, prompting significant outrage and temporary suspension of voting.

Opposition’s Reaction

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, a former Gidderbaha legislator, stated that Sunny Dhillon remained in the polling booth for an extended period while voters were allegedly coerced to leave. Opposition parties quickly condemned this alleged highhandedness.

Additional Complaints of Misconduct

• Similar allegations of booth capturing arose in Deon Khera village, also in Gidderbaha.
• Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), stepped in to restore order at polling stations.
• Sunny Dhillon denied all claims, stating he did not enter any booths and maintained that the process was smooth.

Moreover, clashes between AAP and Congress supporters were reported in other villages, such as Pakhi Kalan in Faridkot and Mandhir in Muktsar.

Further Complications and Repolling

A separate incident in Barnala district nullified voting at Booth Number 20 in Raisar Patiala due to issues with the election symbol for the SAD candidate. This prompted the subdivisional magistrate to announce that a repolling will occur on December 16.

Polling Cancellations in Majha Region

• Polling was also canceled in Khasa and Varpal blocks of Amritsar district due to incorrectly printed election symbols.
• Reports surfaced from Mahimadpura of clashes between AAP and SAD workers.
• In Gurdaspur, unidentified assailants attacked former Congress sarpanch Ashok, injuring him and his father.
• In Tarn Taran, AAP workers were accused by Congress of creating disturbances at polling stations.

This series of events highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the elections in Punjab, suggesting the need for heightened scrutiny in future electoral processes.