Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Friday, 15 May launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging large-scale administrative pressure, misuse of official machinery, and systematic attempts to suppress democratic rights during the ongoing Municipal Council elections. Majithia claimed the ruling dispensation, sensing defeat on the ground, had turned desperate and was weaponising state administration to block Opposition participation.

NOC Delays Cripple Akali Dal Candidates

According to Majithia, SAD candidates had been running from one government office to another for three consecutive days — 13, 14, and 15 May — in pursuit of mandatory no-objection certificates (NOCs) required for filing nominations. Despite spending entire working days at these offices, the certificates were not issued. He alleged the delays were deliberate, orchestrated under political pressure from the state government.

Majithia said the matter was escalated to multiple officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM), Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, and the Punjab Election Commission. Repeated assurances were given that the documents would be provided, but none materialised, he alleged.

Executive Officer Admits Pressure, Fails to Report to Office

The SAD leader made a pointed allegation against Manmohan Singh Randhawa, Executive Officer of Majitha Municipal Council, claiming Randhawa himself admitted he was facing 'immense pressure' from the Punjab government — which was why the NOCs were being withheld. Despite clear instructions from the SDM directing Randhawa to report to office, the Executive Officer reportedly failed to do so.

Majithia said he personally waited for over an hour at the Executive Officer's office following the SDM's directions, only to find an empty chair. A clerk reportedly informed the delegation that the office closes at 5 pm and they would have to leave.

SAD Calls It a Direct Attack on Democracy

Majithia framed the NOC issue as symptomatic of a broader pattern, alleging that what was unfolding was not an isolated administrative lapse but a coordinated conspiracy across Punjab to deny opposition candidates their democratic rights.

'Punjab is no longer witnessing a fair electoral process. What is unfolding is a display of intimidation, administrative coercion and misuse of state power to silence the Opposition,' Majithia said.

AAP Government Yet to Respond

As of the time of reporting, the AAP government in Punjab had not issued an official response to Majithia's allegations. The Municipal Council elections remain ongoing, and the outcome of the NOC dispute could affect the final count of Opposition candidates on the ballot. All allegations, as of now, remain those of the SAD and have not been independently verified.

This comes amid a broader pattern of electoral friction between the AAP government and Opposition parties in Punjab since the party swept to power in 2022. How the Punjab Election Commission responds to the SAD's formal complaints will be closely watched in the days ahead.