PHAGWARA: Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Friday launched a scathing attack on Punjab State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhry, accusing him of surrendering his constitutional mandate and remaining silent amid what he termed as widespread violations during the ongoing Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. Khaira alleged that the State Election Commission has failed to act on serious complaints raised by opposition parties, claiming that democracy in Punjab is being “brazenly murdered” under the present government.
The Bholath legislator said that instead of taking action against the Patiala SSP whose leaked audio purportedly suggested instructions to abduct candidates at the behest of ruling party MLAs, the Commission has “allowed the police free rein” to initiate cases against opposition leaders and journalists. Khaira referred to police cases against SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and independent journalist Rattandip Dhaliwal as examples of what he called the misuse of state machinery.
Khaira also stated that he had personally submitted multiple complaints regarding alleged wrongful rejection of Congress nominations and police intimidation of candidates but claimed that no action or response had been received from the Commission. He asserted that the SEC’s inaction reflects a collapse of independence and integrity, accusing Raj Kamal Chaudhry of functioning as a “mouthpiece” of the ruling AAP.
The MLA further alleged that the Election Commissioner appeared more focused on the privileges of office than the responsibilities attached to it, stating that the conduct amounted to a betrayal of the constitutional duty entrusted to him. Concluding his remarks, Khaira said that the ongoing poll process has turned Punjab into what he described as a “police state” where the government is allowed to influence elections unchecked while the constitutional watchdog remains ineffective.