During Punjab Panchayat elections, AAP alleged seizure of liquor, arms and Congress flags from a vehicle in Batala, calling it anti-democratic.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)  issued a strong condemnation of the Congress following the interception of a vehicle in Batala during the ongoing Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. The vehicle was allegedly transporting liquor, women’s suits, weapons, live ammunition, and Congress party flags.

AAP Punjab General Secretary and Media In-charge Baltej Pannu stated that the incident has fully revealed the desperation, anxiety, and anti-democratic attitude of the Congress, which has already conceded defeat prior to the announcement of the election results.

Pannu stated that opposition parties initially attempted to mislead the public by falsely asserting that the AAP had their nomination papers rejected. Now that the final list of candidates has been announced and it is evident that contenders from all political parties are participating in the elections, traditional parties such as the Congress have once again resorted to their customary, disreputable tactics, including distributing alcohol, suits, and money to influence voters.

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Referring to the Batala incident, Baltej Pannu stated that AAP MLA from Batala and Punjab AAP Working President Sherry Kalsi intercepted a vehicle allegedly involved in the distribution of liquor and women’s apparel to sway electors. What is even more alarming is that weapons, live ammunition, and Congress flags were also found within the same vehicle. This obviously demonstrates the extent to which Congress is willing to descend in order to secure electoral victory, Pannu stated.

Labeling it as “open goondaism,” Pannu stated that such practices are incompatible with a democratic society. The Congress continues to hold the belief that it can deceive and secure the mandate of the people of Punjab through the use of beverages and clothing. He further stated that this merely reflects their anguish and apprehension regarding an unavoidable defeat.

Baltej Pannu stated that AAP will resolutely prevent such acts of hooliganism under any circumstances. The Mann government will not accept this form of lawlessness. The residents of Punjab are attentive and well-informed. They will not exchange their ballots for alcohol or clothing, he stated.

Highlighting AAP’s governance record, Pannu stated, “AAP is campaigning on the basis of its achievements, including 600 units of free electricity, uninterrupted daytime power supply to farmers, mohalla clinics, world-class government schools, and people-centric policies.” The Mann government has fulfilled its commitments, and the electorate will cast their votes based on merit rather than inducements.

He stated that the incident in Batala demonstrates the inability of traditional parties to comprehend the evolving political awareness of Punjab. The statements and conduct of the Congress evidently demonstrate that they have already acknowledged their defeat. Punjab has progressed, yet these parties remain entrenched in the politics of alcohol and coercion, Pannu stated.