Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has been issued a show-cause notice by the Returning Officer over allegations of continuing election campaigning after the official campaigning period had ended in Gidderbaha Municipal Council limits of Muktsar district.
According to administrative sources, the action was initiated following an alleged violation of election rules that prohibit campaigning after 5 pm ahead of polling. Authorities claim that despite the campaign deadline, political activities linked to Raja Warring continued in the Gidderbaha area.
However, Warring’s team has denied receiving any formal communication regarding the matter. Members of his camp said they came to know about the notice only through media reports and would present their response once any official notice is served.
Officials said video footage and other records related to the alleged violation are currently being examined. Further action may be taken by the Election Commission if the breach of the Model Code of Conduct is established during the inquiry.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Government has declared a public holiday on May 26 in view of the Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections across the state. Government offices, boards, corporations and educational institutions functioning under the Punjab Government in Chandigarh will also remain closed to facilitate voter participation.
As part of election regulations, campaigning officially ended at 5 pm ahead of polling day. The State Election Commission has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to ensure peaceful and fair elections.
Under the guidelines, no candidate or supporter will be allowed to campaign near polling booths or at public and private places once restrictions come into force. Loud gatherings, sloganeering and disturbances around polling stations have also been prohibited.
The Commission has further barred the display of posters, banners and other campaign material near polling booths. Political parties and candidates will not be permitted to set up camps within a 200-metre radius of polling stations. Restrictions have also been imposed on the movement of unauthorised private vehicles within the designated security zone around polling booths.
