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Punjab civic polls: AAP MLA’s ‘booth-capturing’ remark triggers row
In the video clip, which HT could not independently verify, Bazigar is seen addressing supporters and claiming that the party would secure a “17-0” victory in the elections in Patran
Ahead of the civic body elections scheduled for May 26, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Shutrana, Kulwant Singh Bazigar landed in controversy after a video surfaced in which he allegedly hinted at booth capturing if AAP candidates faced a narrow margin against the Opposition in Patran.
In the video clip, which HT could not independently verify, Bazigar is seen addressing supporters and claiming that the party would secure a “17-0” victory in the elections in Patran. He is also heard saying that if there was any shortfall, “they would manage it by shutting the gates”, triggering criticism from Opposition parties, which accused the ruling party of undermining democratic values.
Bazigar later clarified that his remarks were being misconstrued and claimed he only meant that Opposition leaders and “troublemakers” would not be allowed to create nuisance at polling stations.
“I meant that I would shut the gates and not allow any troublemakers to enter the polling station. We believe in the politics of development. We seek votes based on our development work. We do not indulge in booth capturing,” he said.
In the video, the MLA is also heard saying that he had learned such political tactics from Opposition parties.
Punjab’s civic elections will be held on May 26, with voting scheduled from 8 am to 5 pm. Counting of votes will take place on May 29. Elections will be conducted for eight municipal corporations, 76 municipal councils and 21 nagar panchayats across the state.
Soon after the video started circulating, both the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal launched attacks on the ruling party and the state government.
“This is shocking and shameful and an attempt to murder democracy in Punjab,” said Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.
“It exposes the true face of the Bhagwant Mann government. This is the dangerous politics of intimidation, pressure, manipulation and misuse of power, now being institutionalised in Punjab,” he alleged.
Taking to X, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said, “The video of Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Shutrana, Kulwant Bazigar, completely exposes the hideous plan of the Bhagwant Mann government to loot the ongoing local body elections in Punjab. He is openly threatening voters and the opposition and also publicly announcing that he will lock the doors on polling day and capture booths.”
Khaira urged the Election Commission and the Punjab State Election Commission to register an FIR against the MLA and debar him from entering the city on polling day to ensure free and fair elections.
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also criticised the AAP government, questioning why the party would need to talk about booth management if it was truly confident of public support. He accused AAP of trying to bring intimidation-based politics into Punjab.
When asked about the issue, Punjab health minister Balbir Singh said, “I have not seen the video. But I want to reiterate that AAP believes in free and fair elections. We should avoid such statements. We have done so much work for the people of Punjab that they will vote for us.”
Patiala deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer Himanshu Aggarwal said, “We will get the video checked and seek a report from the returning officer.”
