Congress seeks corrective steps for free, fair polls
PARTY LEADERS SAY, AS DEMANDED BY CAPT, PRESIDENT’S RULE SHOULD BE IMPOSED
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Congress has expressed concern over the election commissioner OP Rawat’s warning that cash might be replaced with liquor, drugs and gold in the assembly elections in Punjab due to demonetisation.
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) leaders Preneet Kaur, Brahm Mohindra and Nirmal Singh said apprehensions by the election commissioner that use of unfair means could not be ruled out even if the use of cash is minimal in the coming polls have vindicated the Congress stand. Referring to the Rawat’s remarks, the Congress leaders said with barter deals likely to vitiate the environment in the poll-bound states, including Punjab, the situation was not conducive for free and fair elections.
Only the imposition of President’s rule in the state, as demanded by state Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh, can ensure free and fair elections, they said.
WON’T ABOLISH ARHTIYA SYSTEM: CAPT
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh said the arhtiya (commission agent) system in the state would not be abolished if the Congress forms the government in the state.
Addressing a delegation of arhtiyas, led by president of the Federation of Arhatiya Association, Punjab, Vijay Kalra, along with former MP Vijay Inder Singla, which met Amarinder in New Delhi on Sunday, the state Congress chief said: “The Congress government will not take any decision or formulate any new policy without getting mandate from the arhtiyas and other communities connected with the trade.”