Punjab Gram Panchayat Elections: Voting Underway
In Punjab, India, the gram panchayat elections are taking place today, with voting scheduled from 8 am to 4 pm. Voters are using ballot boxes to choose ‘sarpanch’ and ‘panch’ for their villages. The process has been peaceful, with active participation reported in Mohali and Ludhiana. Results are expected after voting ends.
Legal Developments
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently dismissed over 1,000 petitions that sought to cancel the elections. The court lifted a ban on 206 panchayats, allowing the elections to proceed as planned. It emphasized that only the Election Commission can intervene in the electoral process and mandated videography of the elections. Despite this, petitioners plan to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.
Election Details
The elections are being held for 13,237 ‘Sarpanches’ and 83,437 ‘Panches’. Advocate Hakam Singh noted that nearly 1,000 writ petitions were filed, with 250 segregated on 11 grounds. All were dismissed except one concerning videography. The stay on these petitions has been vacated, and an appeal to the Supreme Court is planned.
Political Reactions
Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for issues candidates faced in filing nominations. He accused officials of negligence, causing uncertainty about reservations and nominations. Bajwa mentioned that key officials were absent from their offices, despite assurances from the Chief Minister for fair elections.
Doubts Revealed
Gram Panchayat -: A Gram Panchayat is a local government body in villages in India. It is responsible for the administration of the village and its development.
Sarpanches -: A Sarpanch is the head of a Gram Panchayat. They are elected by the villagers to lead and make decisions for the village.
Panches -: Panches are members of the Gram Panchayat. They work with the Sarpanch to manage village affairs and development.
Punjab and Haryana High Court -: This is a high court that serves the states of Punjab and Haryana in India. It deals with legal cases and issues in these states.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court in India. It has the final say in legal matters and can overrule decisions made by lower courts.
Partap Singh Bajwa -: Partap Singh Bajwa is an Indian politician. He is known for his involvement in Punjab politics and has been critical of certain political parties.
Aam Aadmi Party -: The Aam Aadmi Party, or AAP, is a political party in India. It was founded to fight against corruption and promote transparency in government.