Facing allegations of violating poll norms, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu accused Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora of launching personal attacks against his family during the municipal corporation elections.
AAP Punjab President Aman Arora on Wednesday criticised Bittu and the BJP, alleging they attempted to disrupt the democratic process through “goondaism” during the civic polls.
Responding to the allegations, Bittu accused Arora of avoiding questions on governance failures, the alleged political misuse of Punjab Police, and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state. He also claimed the police manhandled him during the incident.
Arora said the Punjab government had issued clear directions to ensure peaceful and democratic elections, but alleged that the BJP resorted to intimidation and misuse of power during polling.
“The BJP has made hooliganism and manipulation a pattern in every election. The BJP earlier looted votes in West Bengal by misusing the system and attempted similar tactics in Punjab during the civic polls,” Arora alleged.
Reacting strongly to incidents reported from Sangrur and Dhuri, Arora said it was unacceptable for leaders of a party ruling at the national level to engage in such behaviour. He also alleged that BJP leaders violated Election Commission rules by remaining in Dhuri after campaigning had officially ended.
According to Arora, BJP leader Onkar Singh stayed in the city despite election norms prohibiting outsiders from remaining after campaigning concludes. He claimed that when Punjab Police attempted to enforce the rules, Bittu intervened and tried to obstruct police action.
Rejecting the accusations, Bittu said that throughout his 17 years in Parliament, he had maintained political dignity and never resorted to personal attacks. He recalled the sacrifices made by his grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, in the fight against terrorism.
“We have seen and faced terrorism. We understand the sacrifices made by the Punjab Police and security forces. Unfortunately, the present AAP government has politicised the police force for its own agenda,” Bittu said.