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Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kler, Chief Spokesperson for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of fraud in the Punjab panchayat elections.
Speaking to reporters, Kler stated, "What kind of fraud is being done in Punjab Panchayat elections is before the people today," pointing to alleged irregularities in the nomination process. Kler claimed that many individuals were not allowed to file nominations, and those who did faced wrongful rejections. "Thousands of petitions were filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court," he noted, highlighting previous observations made by division benches that criticised the Punjab government for bowing to AAP pressure. He added that 270 panchayats had been stayed, further complicating the electoral process. During a recent hearing, Kler stated, "The division bench did not dispute anything on the question of fact. The manner in which AAP's chosen candidates were made Sarpanch through misuse of government machinery is evident." Kler also mentioned the court's decision that the election petition is maintainable but rejected it on technical grounds, stating, "Punjab's bureaucracy and AAP Government have not been given any kind of clean chit." "Punjab's bureaucracy, Punjab's AAP government have not been given any kind of clean chit, because it is well known; it is a matter of record what kind of highhandedness has been shown by this government, by the MLAs. But this is a court order...We will definitely explore the next legal platform. We are deliberating about challenging this case and this order before the Supreme Court. Once we get the copy of the order, we will explore the legal options, discuss and challenge it in the Supreme Court tonight itself," Kler said. He confirmed that SAD is exploring the possibility of challenging the court's order in the Supreme Court. "Once we receive the copy of the order, we will discuss our legal options and challenge it tonight itself," Kler concluded, emphasizing the party's commitment to addressing what they see as electoral injustices.In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed over 1,000 petitions seeking the cancellation of the upcoming panchayat elections.The court also lifted the ban on 206 panchayats, allowing the elections to proceed as scheduled on October 15 without any legal hurdles.The High Court clarified that only the Election Commission has the authority to intervene in the electoral process. Additionally, the court mandated that the elections be documented through videography and recording.However, attorneys representing the petitioners indicated plans to challenge the court's decision in the Supreme Court, signalling ongoing legal contention surrounding the elections.The elections were set to take place for 13,237 'Sarpanches' and 83,437 'Panches'.Advocate Hakam Singh, while speaking to ANI, said, "Nearly 1000 writ petitions were filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the Panchayat elections. 250 writ petitions were also filed and they had been segregated on 11 grounds... All petitions except the one on the grounds of videography have been dismissed by the HC. Stay on the 250 writ petition has also been vacated. We will approach the SC tomorrow." (ANI)
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