Chandigarh
Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, has urged farmers’ groups to refrain from disrupting election campaigns ahead of the June 1 Lok Sabha elections. The CEO met with a delegation of farmers, emphasizing the need to maintain law and order during the campaign period and allow all candidates to freely conduct their activities.
The request follows complaints by Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar, who claimed that BJP candidates were being prevented from campaigning by protesting farmers. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, who was part of the delegation, acknowledged that questioning candidates is a democratic right but stressed that protests would remain peaceful. BJP candidates have faced protests from farmers during their campaigns, with farmers showing black flags and demanding accountability from BJP leaders over their stance on agricultural issues.
Jakhar led a BJP delegation on May 6, raising concerns about the safety of party candidates and criticizing the state administration for failing to protect their right to campaign. The BJP delegation indicated that ongoing protests were hindering their candidates’ ability to campaign.
The CEO instructed district election officers and police to ensure a fair and safe environment for all candidates. He highlighted that maintaining security is crucial for a free and fair election. The Election Commission of India, he added, is taking the matter seriously.
