In border villages, people worried about corruption and poll violence

Amritsar /Gurdaspur: A shadow of corruption and criminal influence looms over the panchayat elections in Punjab on Tuesday. The air is thick, with unease palpable in villages near the Pakistan border in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts. Despite an impression that all is normal and the democratic process is unfolding smoothly, tension lingers. TOI toured border villages on the eve of the polls and found a diverse set of sentiments among the electorate. While some, particularly the contestants and their supporters, are eager to participate in the elections, others expressed dismay over the process and believed their lives had only worsened in the last few years, especially on account of drug abuse and unemployment. Rattan Singh Randhawa, general secretary, Border Area Sangharsh Committee, who has been touring the villages and holding meetings, said: “My observation is that there is significant interest among those involved in the cross-border drug trade to contest the elections. They are doing everything in their power to influence the voters, whether through threats, allurements, or outright offering money for their votes.” A number of villagers, seeking anonymity, admitted that some contestants were hosting liquor and meat parties every day to entice the gullible electorate. They are also luring the people with dreams of a better future, if they win the elections. The govt, however, is acting as a mute spectator, allowing such manipulations to go unchecked.A Christian convert, Seema (name changed), who lives in a village near the border, said: “I was offered Rs 25,000 for my vote and my mother’s.” “Isn’t it good?” she said, with a smirk. “These people never meet us and now, they’re coming to our home and offering money,” she added.Expressing concern over the issue of cross-border smuggling of heroin, arms, and ammunition, Arjan Singh, a former sarpanch of Hoshiarnagar village, said: “There has been such degradation in society that good people no longer receive respect. However, regarding the overall atmosphere, I don’t anticipate any major violence.”Stating that those in power rule the roost, Satnam Singh Ajnala talked about the recent unrest in parts of Punjab, particularly highlighting a “fistfight” between the supporters of opposing candidates in Dalla Rajputana village just two days ago. “I am very apprehensive about potential violence on Tuesday and hope that the administration has made sufficient arrangements,” said Ajnala.The verbal duels and scuffles were even reported on Monday. A scheduled caste (SC) voter, who didn’t wish to be named, claimed that a local candidate had promised to repair his house if all of his family members, six in all, vote in his favour. “These are common things in the elections. I wonder why the media is even asking, don’t you know?” said the voter. Amritsar deputy commissioner Sakshi Shawney said the administration had made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. She said, wherever requested, the administration had also arranged for videography of voting, ensuring nothing was left to chance.
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