Khangura seeks action against SAD for influencing voters - 17/07/2009
LUDHIANA, July 17: Qila Raipur MLA, Jassi Khangura today sought action against the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal for influencing voters in three assembly segments of Jallalabad, Kanuhan and Banur by providing them round the clock electricity while the rest of Punjab is reeling under a severe power crisis.
In a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Khangura pointed out that providing round the clock electricity to the people of three assembly segments which are going to the polls on August 3, while rest of Punjab remains shut down, is a special favour tantamount to electoral malpractice and a violation of the election code of conduct under the People’s Representation Act. Khangura maintained the ruling SAD was desperate to get Sukhbir Badal elected from Jallalabad by any means saying “Continuing a long family tradition of influencing the electorate, the CM Punjab now offers electricity for votes in the 3 constituencies where bye elections are taking place”.
The Qila Raipur MLA observed “reinforcing his determination to get his son elected, it is not surprising that long suffering electricity consumers, including farmers, residents and industrialists, are now being lavished with near uninterrupted supply to create a “feel good” factor.” He asserted that clearly the Chief Minister feels the usual large cash, liquor and poppy husk inducements are not sufficient to mask the failing policies of this deceitful government.
Khangura said, “whilst the rest of Punjab suffers under stifling conditions and more and more farmers resort to desperate measures, including suicides, this Government now feels that its obligations are merely restricted to the 3 constituencies and to hell with the other 114”. The Congress MLA observed “this warrants an investigation by the Election Commission to establish whether the electricity supply to these 3 constituencies is atypical. Once confirmed the EC should mandate that there should be no preference provided to these constituencies in the supply of electricity”. Khangura added “The PSEB should ensure that all 117 Assembly Constituencies of Punjab should be treated equally in the supply of electricity”.