By Amrit Pal Sidhu #Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, July 11:
Escalating its attack on the Punjab Government over the functioning of civic institutions and the state's governance, a high-powered delegation of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by State President Kewal Singh Dhillon, met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Punjab Raj Bhawan on Friday and submitted a detailed memorandum alleging irregularities in the election of the Mayor of the Abohar Municipal Corporation. The delegation also urged the Governor to take note of what it described as the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
The BJP leaders requested the Governor to examine the issues raised in the memorandum and to ensure that democratic institutions function in a fair, transparent and impartial manner in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.
According to BJP leaders, the memorandum details the sequence of events surrounding the election of the Mayor of the Abohar Municipal Corporation and raises questions regarding the conduct of the electoral process. The party alleged that the election was not conducted in a fair and impartial manner and specifically referred to the role of the Returning Officer appointed for the municipal elections.
The delegation alleged that Babita Kler, Commissioner, Ferozepur Division, who served as the Returning Officer for the Municipal Corporation elections, did not discharge her responsibilities impartially. The BJP urged the Governor to have the matter examined independently and to ensure that accountability is fixed if any violation of established procedures or legal provisions is found.
The BJP delegation further stated that the integrity of democratic institutions depends upon the neutrality of election officials and the transparency of electoral processes. The leaders maintained that every elected office, including that of a Mayor, must be decided strictly in accordance with the law and without any administrative bias or undue influence.
Besides the Abohar Mayor election, the delegation expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Punjab. The BJP alleged that increasing incidents affecting public safety and governance have created a sense of insecurity among citizens. The party urged the Governor, in his constitutional capacity, to look into these issues and take appropriate steps within the ambit of his office to safeguard the interests of the people and uphold the rule of law.
Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave a patient hearing to the delegation and accepted the memorandum submitted by the BJP leaders.
The delegation included several senior BJP leaders, including former Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, former State BJP President Ashwani Sharma, Punjab BJP General Secretary Dyal Singh Sodhi, Parminder Brar, along with State BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon and other senior party functionaries.
The meeting assumes political significance as the BJP has intensified its criticism of the ruling government over issues relating to governance, law and order, and the functioning of urban local bodies. By approaching the Governor with a formal memorandum, the party has sought intervention into matters it believes warrant independent examination. The development is expected to further sharpen the political discourse in Punjab over governance, electoral transparency and administrative accountability.