Campaigning for the elections to three municipal councils and two nagar panchayats in Amritsar district ended on Sunday evening ahead of the polling scheduled for May 26.
The local body elections will be held for the municipal councils of Jandiala Guru, Baba Bakala and Ramdas, besides the nagar panchayats of Rayya and Ajnala. With the campaigning ending, candidates and political parties have now shifted focus on door-to-door outreach and voter mobilisation within the limits permitted under election rules.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Government has announced a “dry day” in all areas going to polls on May 26 to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. Punjab Excise Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal said the decision had been taken in accordance with the directions of the state election commission.
He said the sale, distribution and consumption of liquor would remain completely prohibited within the jurisdiction of the municipal councils and nagar panchayats concerned on the day of polling. All liquor vends, bars, hotels serving liquor and other licensed premises would remain closed during the period.
The Excise Department said the restrictions were aimed at maintaining law and order and preventing any activity that could influence voters during the election process. Officials have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the orders and take legal action against violators.
Campaign for Patti Nagar Council, Bhikhiwind Nagar Panchayat ends
Tarn Taran: The campaign for the election to the Nagar Council, Patti, and that of Nagar Panchayat, Bhikhiwind, in the district to be held on May 26 ended today. In this election EVMs will be used.
Around 38 polling stations have been set up for the total 19 wards of the Nagar Council, Patti. The total number of voters in this Nagar Council is 29,561, including 15,307 males, 14,252 females and two others. The Nagar Panchayat, Bhikhiwind, has a total of 13 wards, 14 polling booths and 12,143 voters, including 6,466 males and 5,675 females and two others.
Apart from some sporadic incidents, the campaigning process remained peaceful for both places. As many as 74 candidates are trying their luck for the 19 wards of Patti and 53 candidates for 13 wards of Bhikhiwind. Many multi-cornered contests are expected. Ward number two of Bhikhiwind is the only ward from where the ruling party Aam Aadmi Party candidate has won unopposed.
The candidates contacted voters by going from door-to-door. During the campaigning, the issues concerning people were mostly found missing and personal contacts were being preferred.
In this election, apart from the ruling party Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP and many Independent candidates are in the fray. Mainly, senior leaders of the parties had taken charge of the campaigning of their candidates. The results of these elections will be declared on May 29.
