The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday demanded withdrawal of instructions of Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) whereby the latter has directed the police to take action against prominent Akali leaders and workers who blocked roads during a dharna protest in 2017.
SAD leaders, including Daljit Singh Cheema, Sikander Singh Maluka, and Charanjit Singh Brar, along with the legal cell member Arshdeep Cler submitted a memorandum in this regard to Punjab CEO S Karuna Raju to be forwarded to the CEC for action.
Briefing the CEO about the issue, Cheema and Maluka registered SAD’s strong protest against any attempt to politicise the post of Punjab CEO.
SAD delegation pointed out to the CEO that he had “unfairly” issued directions to the Police Department to take action against prominent Akali leaders who blocked roads during a dharna protest in 2017.
“This protest occurred after a dastardly attack on Akali leaders and workers at Makhu following rejection of their nomination papers in the Local Bodies elections. False cases were registered against the senior Akali leadership and workers,” said the delegation.
Cheema said that it was pertinent to mention that during the model code of conduct, the Election Commission was bound to act as a custodian of the rights of all political parties and any directions issued by Punjab CEO in a one and a half year old matter while acting on a politically motivated RTI would directly affect the ongoing campaigning process in the State.
Maluka demanded withdrawal of instructions saying that such instructions could be misused by the Congress Government to harass the opponents and to arrest them to take advantage at the time of polling.
“Instead, the Commission should restrain the police from acting on such old and frivolous cases,” he added.