CHANDIGARH: With Punjab going to the polls on Saturday, reports of clashes have emerged from different parts of the state over alleged distribution of liquor and money to voters.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh and AAP candidate Jarnail Singh, both contesting from Lambi, alleged Shiromani Akali Dal leader Vicky Middukhera was distributing money at Hakkuwala village in Lambi constituency. He reportedly fled the village leaving back his Toyota Fortuner—which has been damaged—after the mob chased him down.
Middukhera denied the allegations terming them baseless. “I had gone to the village to condole the demise of a villager. The police has recorded my statement. The opposition is trying tarnish my image,” he said.
Violence has also been reported in Patti—the constituency of food supplies minister Adesh Partap Singh Kairon who is the son-in-law of CM Parkash Singh Badal.
Reports indicate that a case has been registered against two Akali Dal members for an alleged attack over Congress partymen.
Former Sarpanch and Congress leader Harjinder Singh had tried to stop Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh and his workers from distributing money to voters.
However, later Sukhdev and his workers reportedly attacked Harjinder and his aide with sharp weapons, badly injuring their hands. The two have been hospitalised.
Deputy superintendent of police Ashwani Kumar said the accused have fled and the police is trying to track them. He further added a woman was also involved in the attack.
In another incident in Rampura Phul, Aam Aadmi Party’s youth coordinator, Robby Brar, was shot in the thigh allegedly by SAD’s former market committee chairman Rocky Kansal. Kansal and his aides were allegedly distributing liquor and cash to lure voters.
The AAP alleged that Congress workers were distributing liquor in Nangal Kalan village of Mansa district. AAP worker Ajaib Singh said, “Congress workers, including former sarpanch Jagmel Singh, were distributing liquor and when I objected, they attacked me.” Jagmel Singh has denied the charges.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has transferred Harinder Singh—the deputy superintendent of police, Jalalabad—following a complaint by Sangrur MP and Aam Aadmi Party candidate from Jalalabad, Bhagwant Mann.