Electoral malpractice by the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal – BJP alliance in Punjab in three assembly segments polling on 3 August 2009 - 17/07/2009
Mr Naveen ChawlaChief Election Commissioner
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan
Ashoka Road
New Delhi
110001
Dear Sir
Electoral malpractice by the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal – BJP alliance in Punjab in three assembly segments polling on 3 August 2009
This is to bring to your notice that we suspect the ruling SAD-BJP alliance in Punjab is resorting to electoral malpractice through influencing voters via supply of round the clock electricity to the three assembly segments of Kanuhan, Jallalabad and Banur where by-elections will be held on August 3, 2009. The rest of Punjab is faced with severe power shortages.
Power cuts as long as 14 hours a day are prevalent across Punjab currently, therefore providing a round the clock supply to the three assembly segments about to poll is, I believe, sufficient to question the motives of the ruling party.
Sukbir Badal, the son of the incumbent Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is contesting from one of these constituencies, Jallalabad.
It is requested that investigation and strict action may be taken against any found guilty of electoral malpractice and violation of the electoral code of conduct under the Representation of People’s Act in which no political party or person contesting the election can induce voters by special favours. Providing round the clock electricity exclusively in three assembly segments when 114 others are suffering, I believe, is definitely a special favour.
Yours faithfully
Jassi Khangura MLA
Halqa Qila Raipur, Punjab