Punjab Cong for PMF deployment for bypoll in Amritsar south

Chandigarh, Apr 23 (UNI) The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today demanded deployment of Para Military Forces (PMF) in Amritsar south Assembly constituency to ensure a free and fair poll.

The bypoll to this constituency which fell vacant following the death of SAD MLA Raminder Singh Bularia is scheduled to be held on May 22.

In two separate communications to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the PPCC has expressed the fear that the Punjab police might indulge in large scale rigging and booth capturing at the behest of the ruling SAD-BJP alliance.

The Congress has also sought immediate appointment of Central observers to check the massive violation of the model code of conduct which has become operative with the announcement of the date for the bypoll. The Congress claimed that development works are being undertaken by the Amritsar Municipal Corporation on a war footing to woo the voters in favour of the ruling alliance.

The PPCC has asked the Amritsar District Congress Committee (urban ) to remain vigilant and report all violations of the model code of conduct so that the matter can be taken up with the ECI.

Meanwhile the search panel constituted by the PPCC to short list the names of the party aspirants for the bypoll has submitted its report to the PPCC chief Rajinder Kaur Bhattal. Mrs Bhattal today held an emergency meeting of the Pradesh Election Committee at her residence to consider the recommendations of the search committee and also to draft the panel of candidates, preference wise.

She will leave for Delhi tomorrow to submit the report to the Congress high command for the final selection of the candidates.

UNI HS KK GC2005