Setting a precedent in Malerkotla, candidates of three major political parties — BJP, Congress and AAP — maintained decency of the democratic process of polling at ward No. 8 of the town. SAD aspirant Abdul Hameed withdrew his nomination, making the contest almost contest triangular even though there are at least four Independent candidates, according to the poll records of the administration.
The ward has a mixed population of members of all communities, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians. Unlike other parts of the state, the candidates at ward number 8 have decided to leave the destiny of their candidature on voters exclusively.
Appreciating the gesture shown by Manpreet Bagga (BJP), Rajesh Kumar (Congress ) and Khushi Mohammad (AAP), Malerkotla SSP Gurmit Singh said candidates in other 60 wards of the district and their supporters should follow the trend and avoid confrontation on petty issues related to the elections.
“We are pleased that almost all candidates of ward number 8 of Malerkotla Municipal Council, including those of three major political parties, had decided that they would not interfere in the smooth functioning of the polling booths,” said Pritam Singh. He claimed that volunteers and voters were spontaneously facilitating the polling in accordance with guidelines of the state election commission.
