Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Thursday took decisive action against political parties found in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Following directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI), warnings have been issued to both the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for their respective transgressions.
One of the key infractions involved the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) utilizing the derogatory phrase “Delhi ke Dalal” in a campaign video targeting AAP’s state convener and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, as well as AAP candidates. Such language, deemed inflammatory and violative of MCC guidelines, was promptly removed by the SAD after receiving the warning.
Additionally, the use of children in election rallies, notably during the campaign of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, has also drawn censure. Reports from Ludhiana’s Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer highlighted this breach, prompting a stern reminder from the electoral authorities regarding the prohibition of involving children in political campaigns. The SAD has been duly cautioned to adhere strictly to MCC guidelines henceforth.
Notably, AAP had lodged a complaint with the poll panel against Sukhbir accusing him of violating ECI directions by making A child raise slogans in favour of his party during election campaigning. The complaint alleged that Sukhbir had passed the microphone to the child and made him raise slogans of ‘Shiromani Akali Dal Zindabad’ and ‘Vote for Akali Dal’ during his ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’ at Raikot on April 6.
Meanwhile, the ruling AAP also faced reprimand for its online content, notably posts and videos such as ‘Unsacred Games of Punjab’. Such materials were flagged for their potential to incite discord or violate the MCC.
Furthermore, the casteist remarks attributed to the state Cabinet Minister and AAP’s candidate from Khadoor Sahib Laljit Singh Bhullar were condemned as clear violations of electoral conduct standards. Reports from Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer corroborated these findings, leading to a formal warning issued to AAP.
Notably, on April 13, Bhullar, in his speech during his election campaign at Patti, allegedly ridiculed members of the Ramgarhia and Suniyar communities, calling them “Ghuli gharh”. Following this, complaints were sent to the ECI, against the Minister by both Shiromani Akali Dal and Ramgarhia Singh Sabha, Tarn Taran.
About a fortnight later, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had offered an apology for Bhullar’s “casteist remarks”. Following widespread condemnation, Mann had taken a firm stance during a campaign rally for Bhullar in Patti emphasizing AAP’s commitment to inclusive politics and stressed the need for Bhullar to issue an unconditional apology. Mann, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, had offered his own apology as the head of the party, reiterating AAP's dedication to governance based on meritocracy and devoid of discrimination.
Both AAP and SAD have been directed to desist from further breaches of the mode code of conduct, and to conduct their campaigns in strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Election Commission of India. The warnings underscored the commitment of electoral authorities to uphold the integrity and fairness of the electoral process, ensuring that campaigns remain focused on issues rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric or unethical tactics.
BOX: ECI Appoints 15 Expenditure Observers for Punjab
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday appointed 15 expenditure observers for 13 Lok Sabha constituencies of Punjab to oversee the expenditure incurred by candidates and political parties during the campaign period, ensuring compliance with election expenditure regulations.
Sharing details of the appointed expenditure observers, the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C said that the appointed observers are distinguished Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles.
While one observer each has been appointed for Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Khadoor Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot (SC), Ferozepur, Sangrur, Patiala, Jalandhar (SC), and Hoshiarpur (SC) Lok Sabha constituencies; two observers each have bene appointed for Anandpur Sahib, Ludhiana, and Bathinda constituencies.
CEO Sibin C said that each appointed observer will play a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in their respective constituencies.
