Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Thursday alleged that the Executive Officer (EO) of the Majitha municipal council was refusing to issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) to SAD candidates for the forthcoming municipal elections.
Majithia said party leaders, including Dilbagh Singh and Salwant Seth, visited the EO’s office to seek NOCs for party candidates. “The leaders also submitted in writing that if there were any discrepancies related to house tax or any other certification, they should be given an opportunity to rectify them,” he said.
He alleged that instead of attending to the party leaders, the EO left the office despite being required to remain there till 5 pm during the crucial election period.
Majithia also accused AAP Majitha halka in-charge Talbir Singh Gill of staging a “drama” by calling the Executive Officer and directing that NOCs should be issued to everyone.
“This drama was exposed when the EO indirectly asked whether NOCs should also be issued to SAD candidates. The mask was completely lifted when the EO denied NOCs to SAD candidates today. I challenge the AAP leadership to conduct free and fair elections if it has the courage to do so,” he added.
Claiming that the fundamental rights of voters were being undermined by the AAP government, Majithia said, “The government should nominate its own candidates on all seats instead of wasting public money on conducting municipal elections.”
He also expressed shock over what he termed the State Election Commission’s silence on the matter. “Earlier too, the SEC did not act when police officers, including Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, allegedly stopped SAD candidates from filing their nominations. We hope it acts impartially this time,” he added.
