Civic polls: 713 papers rejected, opposition protests erupt

Chandigarh/Bathinda: The rejection of 713 nomination papers for Punjab's urban civic body elections triggered protests by Congress, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in several districts on Tuesday, with opposition parties alleging political interference by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).However, AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who is spearheading the party campaign in Barnala, rejected the claims and said officers were working independently and on merit.Joint protests were staged by the opposition parties in Barnala and Malout. Opposition leaders alleged that papers of "winnable candidates" were rejected under pressure from the ruling party.The protests intensified after nomination papers of BJP candidate Rajni Rani from Ward 31 in Barnala were rejected late Monday night. Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon joined BJP and SAD leaders in a protest outside the deputy commissioner's office during the day.Former Union minister Vijay Sampla accused the AAP govt of targeting opposition candidates to facilitate victories for ruling party nominees.Hayer said there was no pressure from the AAP govt. Barnala deputy commissioner Harpreet Singh also denied allegations of political pressure and said decisions were taken by the returning officer on merit.According to the State Election Commission (SEC), Punjab, 713 of the 10,809 nomination papers filed for urban civic body elections were rejected during scrutiny.Of the total, 151 of the 2,154 nomination papers filed for eight municipal corporations were rejected. For 76 municipal councils, 447 of the 7,334 nomination papers were rejected, while 115 of the 1,321 papers filed for 21 nagar panchayats were rejected.The municipal corporations going to polls on May 26 are Abohar, Barnala, Batala, Bathinda, Kapurthala, Moga, Pathankot and Mohali.Batala municipal corporation recorded the highest 67 rejected nomination papers, followed by Bathinda (21), Moga (20), Abohar (18) and Mohali (13).Among districts, Mohali recorded the highest 114 rejected nomination papers out of 1,175 nominations received, followed by Bathinda with 82 and Gurdaspur with 81.WHAT HAPPENED WHEREBarnala | BJP candidate Rajni Rani's nomination papers for Ward 31 rejected late Monday night. After this, Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon joined BJP and SAD leaders in protest outside DC office. Protesters later blocked road outside district administrative complex before being removed by police. Opposition parties have announced a bandh on May 20 from 8am to 2pmBathinda | Congress alleged rejection of nomination papers of six party candidates. Its workers staged a protest outside DC office and submitted memorandum to administrationMalout | Functionaries and workers of Congress, BJP and SAD jointly held protest march against rejection of papersMuktsar | Opposition parties held sit-in protest alleging nomination papers of "winnable candidates" were rejected under pressure from ruling AAP govt