Punjab BJP files memo accusing rigging in municipal elections

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon submitted a memorandum to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria alleging that the AAP‑led state government rigged recent municipal council elections. The party claims the electoral process was marred by "massive rigging," abuse of official machinery, political intimidation, arbitrary ward delimitation, and obstruction of opposition candidates' nominations.

The BJP contends that even after the AAP secured victories in the Abohar Municipal Corporation and Morita Municipal Council, its nominees were declared mayor despite the BJP’s larger council representation. The memorandum cites alleged irregularities such as postponed voting, lack of video recording of ballot counting, and the Returning Officer announcing results without transparent verification. Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi of the Congress also accused the government of manipulating the same elections, saying police prevented Congress councillors from voting.

Both parties say the alleged misconduct undermines the constitutional mandate for free and fair urban local body elections in Punjab.