Khangura Welcomes Model Code of Conduct – says Signals Unshackling of Aam Admi

Dec. 24, 2011

As the Election Commission announced the schedule for our Vidhan Sabha elections, Qila Raipur MLA Jassi Khangura said “I’m relieved.  Now the Model Code of Conduct is in place, it will bring relief for us all from intimidation and incessant SAD propaganda.”  He continued saying “I more than welcome the fact that the Chief Election Commissioner has obviously been paying a lot of attention to Punjab, and that he is taking stronger measures than in previous years to ensure these elections are free and fair.”

Khangura, known for his determination to bring positive change to Punjab, especially in the rural communities, said “in my current Constituency, Qila Raipur, I know for a fact that many people dare not bring their complaints and problems to me because they are scared of the local Akali goondas”.  He continued “I have pledged to the people of Qila Raipur and Dakha that now the Code is in place, they can approach my office with their problems without fear as the Code will protect them.”

Referring to the constituency resource that is his website, www. jassikhangura.com, Khangura said “I have put a button on the home page of my site explaining to people about the Code of Conduct.  It explains what the obligations are of candidates and parties under that Code.  Even people beyond my constituency may find this useful.”  Taking it one step further, Khangura said “I have also put a list of contacts on my site and details of how to file a complaint about violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Obviously, people from Dakha or Qila Raipur are also free to call my office with their concerns.”

Saying that the Code of Conduct was an “unshackling” of the population, Khangura said “I will be doing my utmost to ensure that people in my area feel they are able to cast their vote as they wish during these elections.  The almost endless grand claims of the Badals in recent months has not drowned out the cries of the people who have their daily issues left unresolved by this neglectful SAD Government.”

Seeking investigation and assistance from the Election Commission .....Jassi Khangura MLA

Jassi Khangura MLA wrote Dr S Y Quarishi, Chief Election Commissioner, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001--- Concerning Dakha Constituency, Ludhiana District, Punjab during Assembly Elections:

I hope to stand for the new Dakha constituency in the 2012 Punjab Assembly Elections.  However, in regard elections in Punjab I like to draw your attention to the following three main issues and seek investigation and assistance from the Election Commission in this regard:

1. Security provided to goondas belonging to ruling SAD party
   Large number of security personnel are provided both officially and unofficially to Akali (SAD) supporters.  Many of these individuals have highly suspicious backgrounds and the reasons for provision of security details are spurious.  Kindly arrange for all unauthorised security personnel to be withdrawn immediately and cancel all permission for security cover granted within the last 90 days to those that have no legal provision.
   
2. Weapons licences
   There has been a surge in the grant of arms licences in 2011, in addition to the number of illegal unregistered weapons held.  This Government has granted excessive numbers of fresh licences to SAD supporters, again from highly dubious and suspicious backgrounds.  Kindly arrange for all licences issued in 2011 to be suspended until formation of the next Government in 2012.
   
3. Deletion of pages from voters lists at polling booths
   I have encountered this matter in the past and would not wish for it to happen again.  Historically in Punjab, every outgoing SAD administration has ensured that full pages are deleted from the electoral rolls relating to areas where the majority are Congress supporters.  Having previously checked names are on a list, the voters discover on polling day they are no longer listed, the whole page they were on having been removed.  The presiding officer then admits the error and apologises saying there is nothing that can be done.  The Election Commission needs to take immediate steps to counter this long-established Akali malpractice.  A recently issued voter ID card should be accepted irrespective of whether the voters name appears on the voters list or not.

In light of the above and the general state of tension in Punjab currently, I would plead with you for an early imposition of the Model Code of Conduct in the State.  There is currently no effective governance in Punjab, simply the rule of criminals.  There is an overriding climate of fear and intimidation and Model Code of Conduct would bring genuine relief to many citizens.