PTC Web Desk: Tension gripped Punjab’s Bathinda district on the final day of nominations for the Rama Mandi municipal elections after opposition parties accused the administration and the police of acting in favour of ruling party AAP and preventing rival candidates from filing their nomination papers.

Leaders and workers from the Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP and Congress staged strong protests outside the municipal council office, alleging that their candidates were deliberately stopped from entering the premises while candidates linked to the ruling party were allowed smooth access.

The situation escalated when opposition supporters broke through barricades and forced their way inside the nomination venue. Several women candidates also alleged misconduct and mismanagement during the process. Opposition leaders claimed that three persons involved in snatching nomination documents were briefly caught by party workers but later managed to flee from the spot.

Heavy police deployment was seen outside the municipal council office throughout the day as protesters raised slogans against the administration, accusing officials of undermining the democratic process.

Punjab State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhary said the matter was being treated seriously and that a report had been sought from the Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda. He added that necessary directions would be issued after reviewing the findings. 

Woman candidate’s nomination papers allegedly torn

The controversy deepened after a woman candidate from Ward No. 6 alleged that a group of unidentified persons snatched and tore her nomination papers while she was attempting to file them. Opposition leaders described the incident as a direct attack on democracy and accused certain elements of creating chaos at the nomination centre.

According to allegations made by opposition parties, suspicious individuals were seen moving around the venue and were allegedly brought in to disrupt the process.

The disturbances reportedly took place in the presence of the DSP of Talwandi Sabo and the SHO of Rama police station. Opposition leaders alleged that despite the tense situation, no effective steps were taken to restore order immediately.

After nearly two hours of protest, the administration allowed other candidates to enter the office and complete the nomination process. However, opposition leaders claimed that during the confusion, unidentified individuals fled with another candidate’s nomination documents from inside the municipal council office. Similar allegations were also made earlier regarding another candidate’s papers being torn outside the venue.

The Shiromani Akali Dal constituency in-charge alleged that the ruling party was misusing the police and administration out of fear of electoral defeat.