Supreme Court flags poll irregularities in Patiala

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Fact-finding panel highlights alleged electoral malpractices across 30-plus wards; Supreme Court to hear the matter on September 19.

Patiala, August 19

The Supreme Court appointed, fact-finding committee has submitted its report on alleged irregularities during the previous Patiala Municipal Corporation elections, including torn nomination papers and incidents of booth capturing. The committee, headed by a retired judge, was constituted after the Congress approached the Supreme Court seeking action over the alleged electoral violations.

The report has now been made public and reportedly highlights instances of alleged coercion and electoral malpractices across more than 30 wards. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter on September 19, when it could take a significant decision on the issue.

Congress leader Mohit Mahindra held a press conference in Patiala after the report was released. He said that on the day of the nomination process, when women were allegedly assaulted and nomination papers were torn, he had stated that those responsible would eventually have to answer before the court.

Mahindra said his team pursued the matter before the Supreme Court, following which several officials were required to present their statements before the fact-finding committee. He claimed that the committee’s report clearly documents the alleged manner in which the election process was disrupted, and coercion was used.

He further alleged that both the civil and police administration were involved in the incidents at the Patiala Mini Secretariat and claimed that the alleged misconduct took place under the direction of the Aam Aadmi Party. According to Mahindra, the fact-finding committee’s findings have now put AAP on the back foot.

Mahindra expressed confidence that the Supreme Court’s eventual decision could lead to the dissolution of the Municipal Corporation and fresh elections in around 30 to 40 wards of Patiala.

He also said that once the Supreme Court delivers its verdict, the victims of the alleged assaults would pursue criminal cases in parallel against those responsible.