In the ongoing Punjab Panchayat elections, a total of 48,861 candidates have been chosen for the Panch positions across the state's 13,225 gram panchayats. Notably, 3,798 Sarpanches have been unanimously elected. Voting is scheduled for today across 9,398 gram panchayats, following the cancellation of elections in 28 and the suspension of one.
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Voting Begins for Punjab Panchayat Polls
Polling for the 2024 Panchayat elections in Punjab is currently taking place, with voting hours set from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elections will be held in 13,937 gram panchayats. The Election Commission has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure smooth polling, including the deployment of polling teams to various centers.
23 Observers Appointed to Oversee Polls
The Election Commission has designated 23 observers across the state to monitor the election process closely. Polling teams have been dispatched to all centers, with nearly 96,000 employees assigned to election duties. Punjab Police has also ramped up security measures to ensure the process remains peaceful.
Panchayat Elections Cancelled in Dalli Village, Jagraon
Elections in Dalli village, Jagraon, were cancelled by the Ludhiana District Collector. The cancellation followed complaints about the rejection of several Sarpanch candidates' nomination papers. A new election date will be determined.
Low Turnout of Punjabi Voters and Immigrants Noted
A village in Punjab witnessed a low turnout of both Punjabi voters and immigrants during the ongoing panchayat elections. The limited participation has raised concerns among local candidates.
Voting Suspended in Kot Razada Due to Missing Ballot Papers
Voting in Kot Razada village, Amritsar, has been paused after it was discovered that a significant number of ballot papers went missing. Protests erupted as candidates expressed dissatisfaction with the administration. Officials have promised to deliver new ballot papers before voting can resume.
Sarpanch Elections Cancelled in Pona and Dalla, Tehsil Jagraon
The Sarpanch elections in Pona and Dalla villages of Tehsil Jagraon have been cancelled by the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, following instructions from the Punjab Election Commission. New dates for the elections in these villages will be announced soon.
Election Symbol Changed Before Polling Day
In a surprising move, the election symbol for Harkaval Singh, an independent candidate running for Sarpanch in Rattowal village, was changed just a day before the elections. Originally campaigning under the Tiffin Box symbol, Harkaval Singh was assigned the Tractor symbol at the last minute, causing uproar. Singh has since lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, demanding the cancellation of the election.
Tarn Taran Shooting Incident During Polling in Sohan Sain Bhagat Village
Tensions escalated during the Punjab Panchayat Elections in Sohan Sain Bhagat village, Tarn Taran, when shots were fired outside a polling booth, causing chaos. Several individuals, many seen wearing turbans, were injured in the clash. Authorities are investigating the incident, and security measures have been heightened.
Protests Erupt in Lakhmir K Utar Village, Ferozepur
In Lakhmir K Utar village, Ferozepur, tensions escalated as villagers protested over the absence of their names from the voter list. The situation has become heated as residents demand clarification and resolution.
Voting Stopped in Kot Razada Village, Amritsar
Voting has been suspended in Kot Razada village, situated in the Ajnala area of Amritsar, due to the misplacement of several ballot papers. Candidates in the election have raised concerns and protested over the missing ballots.
Gunfire Erupts During Voting
Amidst the ongoing panchayat elections, gunfire was reported outside a polling booth, adding to the tension and chaos at the scene.
Faridkot MLA Gurditt Singh Sekhon Votes in Panchayat Elections
Faridkot MLA Gurditt Singh Sekhon, joined by his family, exercised his voting rights at the Government Primary School located in Bhan Singh Colony during the panchayat elections.
Following his vote, Sekhon encouraged local residents to maintain peace and harmony throughout the election process.
50% Reservation for Women Implemented
In a significant move to promote gender equality, authorities have announced that fifty percent of the seats will be reserved exclusively for women. This initiative aims to enhance female representation and participation in various sectors.
Polling Progress and Incidents
By 10 am, voter turnout stood at 10.5%, with reports of long queues at polling booths. However, polling in Mansa Khurd was cancelled due to misprinted ballot papers.
In other incidents, a teacher in Jalandhar tragically passed away while on election duty, and a policeman was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Ludhiana.
Clashes and Disruptions Reported
Violence marred the election atmosphere in several areas. In Karamgarh village, Barnala, a clash between rival groups resulted in the injury of Sarpanch candidate Gurjant Singh, who was subsequently hospitalized. Meanwhile, a clash in Mangewala village led to the temporary suspension of voting as police intervened to restore order.
Voter Turnout Updates
By noon, Punjab reported a 22% voter turnout across various districts, with notable figures including:
- Faridkot: 28%
- Barnala: 19.9%
- Malerkotla: 28%
- Fazilka: 33.5%
- Fatehgarh Sahib: 31.23%
Sidhu Moosewala’s Parents Vote in Mansa
In a poignant moment during the ongoing elections, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, the parents of late singer Sidhu Moosewala, cast their votes in their native village, Musa, located in Mansa district. Balkaur Singh, who also served as a polling agent, urged villagers to vote peacefully and responsibly, emphasizing the importance of electing a panchayat that prioritizes community development. He expressed his disappointment over the lack of consensus in the village regarding candidate support, which led to rival campaigning.
Commotion Erupts in Bhala Village Over Voter List Allegations
Tensions soared in Bhala village, Ajnala, on the eve of the Punjab Panchayat elections as accusations of voter list tampering surfaced. Residents reported that officials had altered the electoral roll, igniting unrest within the community. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, including assaults on women and instances of individuals being forcibly turbaned.
As of 4 PM, a voter turnout of 44.5% was recorded in Hoshiarpur, with 56.25% in Bathinda reported till 2 PM.
Elections in Jharkhand are set to occur in two phases, with voting on November 13 and 20, and results to be announced on November 23.
Voter Turnout in Punjab Panchayat Elections
Preliminary reports indicate a voter turnout of 57.99% in Jalandhar and 59% in Patiala by 4 PM today. This reflects a strong engagement from the electorate in the ongoing Panchayat elections.
Protests Erupt as Counting Stops in Ajnala's Chak Sikander Village
In Chak Sikander village, protests erupted as counting of votes came to a halt. Villagers accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of intimidating voters during the polling process.
Residents of Kot Razada village in Amritsar are staging a sit-in to demand that vote counting occurs on-site. Although polling concluded at 4 PM, counting has yet to commence, raising concerns among the villagers.
21-Year-Old Navneet Kaur Becomes Sarpanch in Sangrur's Harkishanpura
In Sangrur, 21-year-old Navneet Kaur has made headlines by receiving 353 votes out of 415 cast, defeating her rival Rupinder Kaur, who garnered only 54 votes. Navneet's victory demonstrates the trust placed in young leaders by the community.
Bibi Ranjit Kaur Elected as Woman Sarpanch for Shiromani Akali Dal
Bibi Ranjit Kaur has been elected as the woman Sarpanch for the Shiromani Akali Dal in Shahkot. Her leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the development of her village.
Ram Bai Becomes Sarpanch in Hoshiarpur's Dagana Khurd Village
In another milestone, Ram Bai, a migrant woman, has been elected as the Sarpanch in Dagana Khurd village of Hoshiarpur. Her election highlights the representation of women from diverse backgrounds in local governance.
Surjit Kaur Elected Sarpanch of Jagga Ram Terath Kalan Village
In a significant development in local governance, Surjit Kaur has been elected as the Sarpanch of Jagga Ram Terath Kalan village. This election marks a pivotal moment for the community, reflecting the growing involvement of women in leadership roles within the region.
Inputs by Agencies
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