Punjab Local Body Elections: Counting Underway Amid Controversies

Counting of Votes in Punjab's Local Body Elections

In Punjab, the counting of votes for the district council and panchayat committee elections took place on Wednesday under strict security measures. The counting commenced at 8 AM across 154 centers established throughout the state. Voting occurred on December 14 for members from 347 zones in 22 district councils and 2,838 zones in 153 panchayat committees, with a voter turnout of 48%. Over 9,000 candidates participated in the elections. In Patiala, members of the Shiromani Akali Dal alleged that they were barred from entering the counting center located on the Patiala-Nabha road. SAD leader Jaspal Singh claimed that Rahul Saini, son of Punjab's Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, was present inside the counting center while opposition representatives were denied entry.

Opposition Demands Fair Counting Process

Opposition leaders have called for immediate intervention from election officials to ensure a transparent and fair counting process, warning that ongoing interference could undermine public trust in democracy. During the counting for the Shambhu block, former MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur accused the current MLA Gurpal Singh of entering the counting center without permission. Jalalpur stated that despite having valid passes, he and his counting agents were kept outside while the MLA was allowed entry. He also alleged that police present at the center failed to take action despite repeated complaints.

Political Parties Participate in Elections

Candidates from all major political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and BJP, contested the district council and panchayat committee elections under their respective party symbols.