Last Update: May 10, 2023, 21:44 IST
The Chief Electoral Office received four complaints regarding the violation of the election code of conduct. (Representational image/PTI)
There were also reports of clashes between workers of rival parties. Chief Electoral Officer Sibin Si said that except for a few sporadic incidents, polling was peaceful.
Low turnout and sporadic incidents of violence were reported on Wednesday during the high-stakes election battle for the Jalandhar Lok Sabha constituency, while the opposition alleged that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) tried to influence voting in some areas.
As per the final figures, a low turnout of around 54 per cent was observed, and this was attributed to the hot weather conditions and the announcement of two consecutive holidays by the administration due to the preparations for the elections.
In another development, an FIR was also lodged against Baba Bakala MLA Dalbir Singh Tong, even as the Congress and the Akali Dal hit out at AAP for using their MLAs and other party workers at polling booths during the first half. was accused of.
There were also reports of clashes between workers of rival parties. Chief Electoral Officer Sibin Si said that except for a few sporadic incidents, polling was peaceful.
These were reported in Dhan Mohalla, Bhargo Camp and JP Nagar, and Gajran village in Shahkot.
Throughout the day, leaders of opposition parties, including the Congress, the Akali Dal and the BJP, took to social media to allege the presence of AAP leaders in large numbers at polling booths and allegedly influencing voters.
But election officials said all necessary steps were taken by the Election Commission (EC) to drive out outsiders from the Jalandhar parliamentary constituency.
Sibin C said, “Baba Bakala MLA Dalbir Singh Tong was booked under IPC section 188 for his presence in Shahkot. He was later released on bail.”
“Throughout the day, the Election Commission received several photographs of outsiders at the booths of political parties. We sent police teams, but no outsider was found in the area.
The Chief Electoral Office received four complaints regarding the violation of the election code of conduct.
“While we acted on one, the others were probed and follow-up action was initiated. However, we did not find any violation,” he said.
In a tough fight, the ruling AAP wants to break the Congress stronghold and enter the Lok Sabha. For the Akali Dal, it is a fight for survival, while the BJP wants to register a victory and set the tone for the 2024 general elections.
Nearly 80 per cent polling stations were manned by paramilitary forces, besides several quick reaction teams were pressed into service. 27 flying squads were also deployed with web cameras for round the clock surveillance.
