The main markets of Barnala town remained completely shut on Wednesday after opposition parties called for a “bandh” to protest alleged irregularities in the Municipal Corporation elections, particularly the rejection of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Rajni Rani and Independent candidate Sweety Goyal’s nomination papers from Ward 31.
Shops in key commercial areas including Sadar Bazar, Handiaya Bazar and Pharwahi Bazar remained closed as traders extended support to the bandh call.
The shutdown came amid allegations by opposition parties that nomination papers of several candidates were rejected on “flimsy objections,” triggering political tension in the city.
Following the bandh, leaders and workers from the Congress, BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Beopar Mandal, Hindu organisations, and some other groups gathered at Railway Station Chowk, where they staged a protest against the AAP government.
The protesters later took out a march through the markets, raising slogans against the administration and the state government.
Among those present were Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Kala Dhillon, former AAP leader Gurdeep Singh Batth, SAD leader Kulwant Singh Kanta, BJP leader Yadwinder Singh Shunty and many others.
They alleged that democratic norms were being violated during the election process and accused the administration of deliberately targeting opposition candidates.
They claimed that the public response to the bandh was strong, with widespread participation from traders who kept their establishments closed. They also warned of possible irregularities during the polling and counting process, urging local residents to remain united and vigilant.
Meanwhile, heavy police deployment was made across the city to maintain law and order.
Notably, the leaders of parties in opposition had on Tuesday lodged a protest inside the district administrative complex (DAC), and later outside it on a road as well.
Markets remain shut during a bandh called over alleged irregularities in municipal elections, in Barnala, on Wednesday.
