Cong candidate seeks re-poll at 24 polling stations
Monday, 13/04/2015
http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/The_Tribune/
Dhuri (Sangrur) : Simar Pratap Singh Barnala, Congress candidate for the Dhuri Assembly byelection, today demanded re-polling at 24 polling stations. The polling was held yesterday.
In a communiqué to the Chief Election Commissioner, Simar Pratap Singh Barnala said out of these 24 polling stations, four were situated in different villages (including Sherpur Sodhian, Meerherri, Jakhlan), while remaining 20 were situated in Dhuri city. The polling remained above normal at four polling stations in rural areas, whereas it was below normal at 20 urban polling stations.
Simar alleged either SAD leaders had adopted unfair means to lure voters or pressurised them at these 24 polling stations. He said many SAD leaders and ministers were present in the constituency on the polling day.
He said SAD “goons” threatened voters in villages due to which the polling remained very high at some rural polling stations. However, the turnout remained very poor in urban areas, also due to pressure by the ruling party, he alleged.
Simar Pratap has urged the Election Commission to order re-polling at 24 polling stations at the earliest for the sake of justice.
Simar Pratap’s father and ex-MLA from Dhuri Gaganjit Singh Barnala said the voting at a village polling station was 100 per cent, while it was 90 per cent or more at three other polling stations.
