Punjab BJP President Alleges AAP Interference in Civic Polls, Urges Governor to Act

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Saturday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government of manipulating the recently concluded Morinda Municipal Council elections and claimed the democratic process had been undermined. Following a meeting with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the BJP submitted a memorandum seeking the Governor's intervention over the alleged irregularities.

Speaking after the meeting, Dhillon alleged that the elections were marred by large-scale malpractice, describing the episode as one of the most serious instances of electoral manipulation witnessed in Punjab. He claimed that despite the BJP enjoying majority support in certain areas, rival members were allegedly brought into polling venues, access was restricted, and election results were declared in favour of AAP-backed candidates.

Dhillon further alleged that BJP nominees faced hurdles even before polling, claiming that several valid nomination papers were rejected without justification. He said the party had presented detailed information about the alleged violations to the Governor and expressed confidence that the concerns had been received positively. According to him, the BJP would continue raising the issue on behalf of the people.

The BJP leader also criticized the Congress, alleging that the party remained consumed by internal leadership struggles rather than addressing public concerns. Referring to the scheduled meeting between AICC Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel and senior Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi, Dhillon claimed the Congress was divided into competing factions focused on the chief ministerial position instead of presenting a united front.

Dhillon's remarks came a day after former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi levelled similar allegations against the AAP government over the Morinda civic polls. Channi claimed that although the Congress had secured 12 of the 15 municipal council seats, its elected councillors were allegedly prevented from participating in the voting process, while police action and procedural irregularities enabled an Independent candidate to be declared the winner.

The Congress has announced that it will challenge the election outcome before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging that the integrity of the electoral process was compromised. Bhupesh Baghel is expected to hold discussions with Channi and other senior Punjab Congress leaders in Chandigarh as the party works to resolve internal differences ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.