Deploy Central forces: Amarinder

Ahead of the Shahkot Assembly byelection in Punjab on May 28, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday welcomed the suggestion for deployment of paramilitary forces for the bypoll.

Accusing Capt. Singh of violating the model code of conduct, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had on Friday demanded posting a senior officer to overlook the byelection, besides deployment of paramilitary forces to ensure a free and fair election.

Responding to the Akali demand for paramilitary forces, Capt. Singh said, “It was ironical that the Akalis, who abused all the democratic systems during their own regime, using all possible tools to prevent the Congress from taking over the State’s reins, were now running to the Election Commission to seek paramilitary forces to ensure peaceful polls. But he or the government and the Congress would oppose any decision by the EC to pull paramilitary forces into the Shahkot election security system,” said Capt. Amarinder.

‘A habit of complaining’

The Chief Minister said that the Akalis were in the habit of complaining of government interference and alleging violation of the model code of conduct before and after every election, particularly when they were staring at certain defeat.

“SAD had resorted to similar tactics during Gurdaspur byeletion, which they lost,” he said.

“The Akalis had been thoroughly exposed for their anti-people stance and their cheap tactics,” added Capt. Amarinder.

He pointed out that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s brazen support for Mehtapur Station House Officer (Shahkot) was part of the Akali campaign to malign the Congress leadership and government ahead of the poll, which has been exposed.