The stigma of being an accused in a case was apparently of a lesser gravity than being compelled to perform an election duty for a block level officer during 2014 lok Sabha polls in Punjab, scheduled for April 30.
While criminals try to hide their past from public gaze, a Block and Development Panchayat Officer (BDPO) in Gurdaspur willingly projected himself as an outlaw to escape the poll duty.
In a communiqué to the State Election Commission office, the Gurdaspur BDPO, whose name was not disclosed by the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) VK Singh, has sought exemption from duty on the grounds that a case is pending against him.
While the State Government has given a “clean” report against him, he is taking this ground, apparently to save himself from doing the election duty. Undeterred, the CEO maintained that the “Commission would not let him get away from the election duty which is almost a 24-hour job”.
Baba Ramdev support for Chandumajra
SAD-BJP candidate from Sri Anadpur Sahib Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra has received support from the Yog Guru Baba Ramdev, who will campaign for him for the entire day on April 2. Ramdev is scheduled to address public meetings, and also the media in various cities under the constituency. As per information, Ramdev would start campaigning from Kharar and Kurali, followed by Ropar, Balachaur, and Nawanshahr. The yog guru is also scheduled to address the media at Ropar.
(Contributed by Monika Malik)