Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and MLA Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, has written to Punjab Governor Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, urging his immediate intervention to ensure the safety and security of Congress councilors of NAC Nadala ahead of the February 3rd municipal elections.
In his letter, Khaira has alleged that the civil and police administration of Kapurthala is being misused to coerce Congress-backed MCs into supporting the ruling party’s candidates. He specifically named EO NAC Nadala, Randip Singh, as the architect behind these alleged intimidations, citing instances of illegal notices being served to Congress councilors as a means of pressure.
He highlighted the case of Manjit Kaur, a Congress MC, who was served an illegal notice on January 24, 2025, demanding Rs. 19 lakh in arrears for a resort that was constructed 11 years ago, well before the formation of NAC Nadala. Khaira questioned why an NOC was granted to her for contesting elections if there were pending violations.
Similarly, another Congress MC, Atma Singh, was served a notice on January 31, 2025, falsely alleging illegal occupation of NAC land based on outdated land records from 2000-2001. Khaira called this a blatant attempt to arm-twist opposition MCs into submission.
He further alleged that local police were summoning Congress MCs daily to Subhanpur Police Station, pressuring them to vote for ruling party candidates.
Accusing the AAP government of using unconstitutional methods to manipulate municipal elections—similar to alleged malpractices in Patiala and Amritsar Corporations—Khaira demanded immediate corrective measures:
Appointment of a retired Judicial Officer as an independent observer for the NAC Nadala elections.
Videography of the entire election process to ensure transparency.
Immediate removal of EO Randip Singh from election-related duties.
Khaira expressed confidence that the Governor would intervene to protect democratic principles and ensure free and fair elections.