Why Was SSP Suspended for 'Interfering' in Punjab By-Poll Process?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- SSP Ravjot Kaur Grewal suspended for interference.
- Election Commission takes strong actions ahead of polls.
- Accusations from SAD regarding police misconduct.
- Polling to take place on November 11.
- 192,838 voters in the constituency.
Chandigarh, Nov 8 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken action by suspending Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ravjot Kaur Grewal for purportedly interfering in the by-election process. This decision precedes the Tarn Taran assembly bypoll set for November 11. The move follows a meeting between Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal and the EC-appointed observer, where a formal complaint was lodged regarding the misuse of authority by the SSP to favor the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.
The Amritsar Commissioner of Police, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, has been designated to take over the additional responsibilities of Tarn Taran SSP, as stated by the Election Commission. Furthermore, a delegation from the Akali Dal approached the Chief Electoral Officer in Chandigarh to present their grievances.
The SAD has accused the AAP government of employing state police forces to manipulate the by-election proceedings. In their memorandum, they reported that party members and leaders from Tarn Taran faced forcible detention by police prior to the polls.
They alleged that the official machinery is being exploited to target Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, her relatives, and SAD supporters. The Chief Electoral Officer revealed that the constituency has a total of 192,838 voters, of which 100,933 are men, 91,897 are women, and there are eight third-gender voters.
Among these voters, 1,357 are service voters, 1,657 are above 85 years old, 306 are NRI voters, and 1,488 have disabilities. The count of young voters aged between 18 and 19 is 3,333. The election will take place across 222 polling stations located at 114 polling station sites, comprising 60 urban and 162 rural locations.
The necessity for the Tarn Taran bypoll on November 11 arose due to the passing of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, who previously secured the seat with 52,935 votes, outperforming SAD's Harmeet Singh Sandhu.
There are fifteen candidates contesting, including Sukhwinder Kaur from SAD, Harjit Singh Sandhu representing the BJP, Harmeet Singh Sandhu from AAP, and Karanbir Singh from Congress.