Badal thanks Punjabis for peaceful Panchayat elections

Chandigarh, May 26 (UNI) The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today thanked the people of Punjab for the peaceful conduct of the Panchayat elections in the state.

In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that the polling remained totally peaceful, free and fair and this was a "triumph for grass-root democracy in the state. Punjabis voted with enthusiasm and responsibility to set an example for the rest for the country in dignified democratic conduct." The Chief Minister said that he was particularly happy over the massive turn-out of voters in the elections, with over 84% of rural Punjabis taking part in the exercise. "That a democratic exercise of such vast magnitude was conducted without any complaint being reported from anywhere totally vindicated our position that our commitment to democratic values has firmed-up the roots of popular governance in the state. This has also exposed the irresponsible campaign of wild incriminations launched by some of our political detractors about the fairness of the poll," said Mr. Badal Nevertheless, Mr. Badal said that he was grateful to everyone, including the Opposition parties, for their co-operation in making this exercise a grand success.

Fatehgarh Sahib recorded the highest percentage turn-out in the just concluded panchayat elections with 90% of the voters coming out to exercise their franchise.Sangrur came second with 86% turn-out in the panchayt elections.

The lowest turn-out was in Nawanshahr district in Doaba belt recorded in 72%, even which was closed to the average turn-out throughout the State is 73% during the last panchayat elections.

UNI XC HS BK2148