Punjab civic body elections: 61.5% voter turnout recorded 

Punjab civic body elections: 61.5% voter turnout recorded 

 

 CHANDIGARH  26 MAY 

Clashes involving supporters of Congress, AAP, BJP and SAD and allegations of booth-capturing were reported at several places in Punjab during the civic elections that saw 61.5 per cent polling on Tuesday.

The final percentage of voter turnout may change after data is compiled by returning officers.

The local body elections are being seen as crucial for all major political parties of the state as these are taking place ahead of the assembly polls next year.

Congress candidate from Ward number 4 in Raikot, Jagdev Singh Jagga was injured in an attack with sharp-edged weapons by a group of people. He was admitted to a private hospital in Ludhiana, officials said.

In Barnala, the husband of BJP candidate from Ward number 15, Deepinder Kaur, was assaulted by a group of people following heated exchanges after he made allegations of bogus voting. His turban was removed and he suffered injuries, after which he was taken to a hospital.

 

A clash erupted between the supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gidderabha in Muktsar district during polling in Ward numbers 18 and 19, officials said.

The SAD later lodged a complaint with the Punjab State Election Commission against AAP MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon and others, accusing them of indulging in booth-capturing, assault and intimidation during municipal elections and demanded an FIR be registered against them.

Tension prevailed in Samana in Patiala supporters of two rival political parties clashed and later pelted cops with stones during polling in Ward number 19.

The police resorted to cane charging to disperse the crowd and polling was temporarily stalled, the officials said.

In Amritsar’s Majitha, supporters of SAD and AAP clashed, prompting police to intervene in the matter, they said.

The voter turnout for municipal elections in Punjab at 5 pm is 61.5%.