Chandigarh, December 14 (NationPress) Voting for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections is currently taking place in Punjab, utilizing ballot papers across more than 19,000 polling booths throughout 23 districts, according to polling officials.

The polling commenced at 8 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m., with the counting scheduled for December 17.

Approximately 1.36 crore voters are eligible to participate in this election, which aims to elect representatives for 347 zones of Zila Parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 Panchayat Samitis. Major political entities such as the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress Party, Shiromani Akali Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and SAD (Amritsar) are competing under their respective party symbols.

Officials reported the presence of 860 hyper-sensitive and 3,400 sensitive polling locations. To maintain a peaceful electoral process, around 44,000 police personnel have been deployed. The State Election Commission has also appointed election observers and police observers, ensuring a commitment to conducting these elections in a fair and transparent manner.

In the midst of claims regarding the misuse of government resources, a controversial audio clip has emerged on social media featuring Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal, alleging that Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma and other officers were involved in a conspiracy to hinder opposition candidates from submitting their nominations.

On the eve of the elections, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the Congress and Akali Dal for their accusations of “high-handedness” against the government, asserting that they have already conceded defeat in this electoral process.

He condemned former Chief Minister and current Lok Sabha Member Charanjit Singh Channi for misleading the public with his unfounded allegations, stating that such remarks indicate the Congress party's admission of failure in the elections. Mann emphasized that, anticipating their loss, Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP are resorting to diversionary tactics.

Mann highlighted that the Congress party has faced repeated rejection by the electorate, while the Akali Dal has largely abstained from contesting most by-elections.

According to the Chief Minister, these parties are aware of their impending defeat in the elections, which is why they are making unfounded statements as a means of saving face. He challenged Channi to substantiate his claims regarding the alleged printing of extra ballots, asserting that the self-proclaimed advocate for the weaker sections is merely seeking attention through these tactics.

Mann noted that it is well-documented that neither Channi nor his party has engaged with the public, resulting in their continual rejection by voters.