Punjab will vote for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Committee elections on December 14, with counting on December 17. December 4 is the last day for filing nominations, followed by scrutiny on December 5 and withdrawals and symbol allotment on December 6.
The nomination phase has triggered major controversy. Congress has accused the government of deliberately delaying the issuance of NOCs to its candidates. Party chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that BDPO offices remain unmanned, preventing Congress candidates from obtaining required documents. The Election Commissioner has issued a notice to the Derabassi BDPO for absence from duty.
The BJP has alleged misuse of government machinery, claiming that some returning and police officers are working under pressure from the ruling AAP government. A BJP delegation met State Election Commissioner Rajkamal Chaudhary, demanding impartiality and mandatory videography of the entire election process.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has accused ruling party workers of tearing nomination papers and held a protest in Bhikhiwind.
