Squabbling among Cong factions prompts SDM to postpone poll

ARGUMENTS ENSUED ON MONDAY IN THE PRESENCE OF OFFICIALS AS WARRING CONGRESS FACTIONS TRIED TO GAIN SUPPORT OF AS MANY MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE

BATHINDA :A year after zila parishad polls in Punjab, the second attempt to elect the chairperson and vice chairperson in Bathinda failed on Monday. After high drama due to the factionalism among Congress leaders, the district administration was compelled to postpone the polls again.

Even though the poll process was to start at 11 am, members finally assembled in hall only by 4 pm. Arguments ensued in presence of officials as warring Congress factions tried to ensure support of as many members as possible.

At first, a group led by Guriqbal Singh Chahal announced that they would not take part in the polls. But after a while, they came back continued to argue with the other groups.

Consequently, sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Amrinder Singh Tiwana decided to postpone the polls.

As per the Punjab panchayati raj act, Tiwana said that polls to elect chairperson and vice chairperson should have been culminated in the second attempt, but the law and order issue compelled him to postpone the polls.

One group of members is reportedly receiving support from Congress’s Bhucho MLA Pritam Singh Kotbhai and party leader Harvinder Singh Laddi. Both were present as the drama unfolded on Monday.

Refuting factionalism, Kotbhai said all members want free and fair polls and everyone has the right to woo members to win polls.

Another group of members is reportedly supported by Rampura Phul MLA and Punjab revenue minister Gurpreet Singh Kangar.

Denying any personal interest in the polls, Kangar said whatever minor differences exist, once chairperson and vice chairperson are elected, all matters will be resolved.

Upset over postponing the polls, group backed by Kotbhai and Laddi resorted to block Bathinda–goniana road outside zila parishad building.

16 zila parishad members and 9 chairpersons of block samitis in the district vote to elect the chairperson and vice chairperson. Even though zila parishad polls were held in Punjab in September last year, but rift in the party hindered the election of its chairperson and vice chairperson in Bathinda. The chairperson’s post is reserved for a woman member.