Amid high tension on the final day of filing nominations for the Punjab Municipal Elections, political tempers flared across the state, particularly in Patiala. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of using state machinery to harass and intimidate their candidates.
The BJP claimed that its candidates faced targeted harassment, with several allegedly detained or assaulted while attempting to file nominations. Party spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal, sharing videos and pictures to substantiate his claims all through the day, said: “Nomination papers of candidates Varun Jindal (Ward 46) and Sushil Nayyar (Ward 34) were torn outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Patiala. Another candidate, Nikhil Kumar Kaka, was detained by the police before reaching the nomination venue.”
Adding to the drama, Congress leaders, including Punjab Youth Congress chief Mohit Mohindra, alleged that their candidates were threatened and confined. “Our candidates were rounded up before reaching the nomination venue and illegally detained,” Mohindra claimed.
Former Akali mayor Amarinder Bazaz echoed similar grievances, stating, “Officials and police deployed at the Mini Secretariat threatened to use lathi-charge to prevent us from filing nomination papers. This is outright intimidation.”
High drama ensued outside the Patiala Mini Secretariat as leaders and workers clashed with authorities. Extra police personnel were stationed to prevent unauthorized entry, further fueling tensions.
Meanwhile, AAP dismissed the allegations as baseless. “Opposition parties are resorting to theatrics because they sense defeat in the upcoming elections,” said an AAP spokesperson.
The leaders from both the Congress and BJP have earlier also raised concerns over alleged delays in issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs). They also claimed that officials are often unavailable at their offices, causing further frustration. In response, the Election Commission has clarified that NOCs may be treated as affidavits if required to facilitate the nomination process.
Despite the chaos, candidates from all parties remain determined, setting the stage for a fiercely contested municipal election. The polls, scheduled for December 21, will cover five municipal corporations—Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Phagwara, and Patiala; and 44 municipal councils, with results likely to shape the political landscape in Punjab.
The municipal elections will cover a voter base of 37.32 lakh, including 19.50 lakh men and 17 lakh women. Voting hours this year have been extended from 7 am to 4 pm, which gives an extra hour of voting compared to previous elections.
The elections aim to elect 381 members to municipal corporations and 598 members to municipal councils. To ensure smooth polling, stringent security measures have been put in place. Each polling station has been assigned three security personnel, and a complete ban on weapons has been enforced until the conclusion of the electoral process. District authorities have been instructed to seize licensed weapons and maintain law and order during the polls.
‘Upset’ Cong Worker Fields Pet Dog as Candidate in Amritsar
In a quirky yet poignant turn of events, “loyal” Congress worker Mehak Rajput from Amritsar has nominated her pet dog, Jimmy, as a candidate for the Punjab municipal corporation elections. Mehak, disheartened by the party's decision to deny her a ticket from Ward 38, filed Jimmy’s nomination papers at the SDM-1 office, sparking a buzz across the city.
Expressing her frustration, Mehak said: “This is my way of protesting against the party’s neglect of my two decades of loyalty and hard work. If Jimmy’s nomination is rejected, I will contest as an independent candidate.”
Mehak explained that her unconventional move was intended to highlight the party’s arbitrary decision-making process. “Leadership in my ward should be based on commitment and dedication. Sadly, the Congress seems to have overlooked these values,” she added.
Although animals cannot legally file nominations, Mehak’s symbolic gesture has gained traction, with her launching a social media campaign for Jimmy to draw attention to her plight. Her unusual protest has not only raised eyebrows but also ignited a debate on the criteria for awarding party tickets.
As Jimmy becomes an unlikely mascot for political dissent, Mehak’s bold stand has left many wondering about the deeper rifts within the Congress party.
