PPP averse to retired IAS, IPS entering poll arena

Chandigarh, Jul 20: People's Party of Punjab (PPP) today (Jul 20) urged the Election Commission of India to immediately impose a ban on IAS and IPS officers from contesting elections for two years after they retire.

"The IAS and IPS determined to enter poll arena overtly and covertly help a political party while in service. Such officers should be given two years of cooling period as neutrality is needed while entering politics," PPP chief Manpreet Singh Badal told reporters here.

The PPP, in a communication to the CEC, also sought ban on re-employment of IAS and IPS officers for a period of two years after they superannuate.

Manpreet claimed that several senior officers of the present Punjab government, including D S Guru (principal secretary to Chief Minister), P S Gill (state DGP) are likely to be fielded by ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in the Assembly polls, due early next year.

"Such highly placed officers who are required to perform their official duties in an impartial manner to ensure free and fair elections will instead secure the return to power of ruling SAD and there would be complete conflict of interest," Manpreet, former Punjab Finance Minister who was expelled from SAD, said.

On the issue of political alliance with Left or the BSP in the upcoming polls, he said the PPP would explore possibilities of alliance, but so far no formal invitation had been received by the party from the Left and the BSP.

PTI