The Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, 17 May submitted a formal complaint to the Punjab State Election Commission and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, demanding deferment of the Mudki Municipal Council elections in Ferozepur district, citing large-scale violence, candidate intimidation, and alleged partisan misuse of police machinery during the nomination process.

What the BJP Alleged

The complaint, submitted by BJP office Secretary Suneel Dutt Bhardwaj, alleged that opposition candidates — including BJP nominees — were threatened, assaulted, and unlawfully prevented from filing nomination papers by anti-social elements allegedly linked to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party described the atmosphere around the nomination centre as one of deliberate terror designed to suppress electoral participation.

According to the complaint, on 16 May, armed supporters allegedly led by Gurpreet Singh Sekhon created a climate of fear near the nomination centre at Mudki, resulting in injuries to several candidates and their supporters. Local police officials, the BJP alleged, remained passive throughout and failed to ensure an unobstructed nomination process.

FIR Filed Only After Public Protest

The complaint further noted that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered only on 17 May — reportedly after sustained public protest — and named approximately 300 unknown persons in connection with the violence and obstruction near the nomination centre. The BJP argued that the delayed registration of the FIR itself reflected the administration's failure to act proactively.

Key Demands Raised

Beyond postponement of the elections, the BJP has demanded the immediate removal and transfer of concerned police and administrative officials in Ferozepur, an independent inquiry into the incidents, adequate security cover for all candidates, and strict action against those responsible. The party has also sought a fresh opportunity for candidates who were allegedly prevented from filing their nominations.

What the BJP Said on Democracy

Asserting that democracy cannot function under conditions of fear and coercion, the BJP urged the Election Commission to postpone the Mudki municipal polls until an environment conducive to free and fair elections is restored. The party maintained that protecting the integrity of the electoral process was a non-negotiable constitutional obligation.

The State Election Commission had not issued an official response to the demands at the time of reporting. How the Commission and the DGP respond to the complaint is likely to shape the political temperature in Ferozepur ahead of the scheduled polls.