Chandigarh, October 1
Harpal Singh Cheema, Senior Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, led a delegation to meet with the State Election Commission today to address critical concerns regarding the upcoming Panchayat elections scheduled for October 15, 2024. During this meeting, the delegation presented a memorandum outlining demands for ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, amidst troubling reports of illicit activities undermining democracy.
In a statement, Cheema emphasized the importance of the Panchayat system, describing it as the smallest yet crucial unit of democracy. He highlighted that every five years, the elections for Sarpanch and Panch play a significant role in empowering local governance. “This election is not just about positions; it’s about the voice and rights of the people of Punjab,” he asserted. He was accompanied by AAP leaders Neel Garg, Dr Sunny Ahluwalia and Babbi Badal for his meeting with the election commissioner of Punjab.
Cheema raised alarms over reports indicating that some individuals are attempting to manipulate the election process by engaging in auctions for Sarpanch and Panch posts. “This unethical practice not only tarnishes the sanctity of our democratic framework but also jeopardizes the very essence of public representation,” he stated. Cheema's remarks underscore the party’s firm stance against corruption and the misuse of power within the electoral framework.
During the meeting, AAP representatives urged the Election Commission to take immediate action against any such irregularities and ensure that investigations are conducted promptly. Cheema stated, “We call upon the Election Commission to be vigilant and act decisively against any form of election malpractice. There is no room for corruption in a democracy, and we must uphold the Model Code of Conduct in its entirety.”
Moreover, the AAP delegation highlighted the necessity for enhanced security measures at polling booths, particularly in sensitive and hypersensitive areas. “Given that counting will commence shortly after voting ends, it is vital to ensure that adequate security is in place to prevent any potential misuse or manipulation of results,” Cheema stressed. He requested that local authorities, including the SSP, DC, SDM, and other relevant officials, be tasked with enforcing security protocols to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
In addition to security concerns, Cheema called for voter awareness initiatives to educate the electorate about their rights and the significance of their votes. “The voters of Punjab are informed and aware, but we must ensure that they are not lured or misled by unscrupulous elements. A comprehensive awareness drive is essential to empower our citizens,” he urged.
The delegation received a positive response from the Election Commission, which assured them that measures would be put in place to address the issues raised. Cheema concluded, “We are committed to a clean electoral process and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine our democratic values. The voice of the people must be heard, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that every vote counts.”