This auction is for the post of Sarpanch in village Hardowal Kalan of Gurdaspur, Punjab. Hardowal Kalan is one of the largest villages in the district. The bidding for the auction held for the post of Sarpanch here started at Rs 50 lakh in which local BJP leader Atma Singh made the highest bid of Rs 2 crore.
Gram Panchayat elections are to be held in Punjab. Meanwhile, a bid of Rs 2 crore has been received in the auction for the post of Sarpanch in a village in Gurdaspur district. As soon as the news of this was received, the State Election Commission took it seriously. The Commission has sought a detailed report in this regard within 24 hours from all the District Magistrates-cum-District Election Officers of the state on such auction violating democratic norms. Punjab State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhary said that under larger democratic traditions, it is the responsibility of the State Election Commission to take a balanced approach towards the issue by examining the legal and ethical consequences of such a process.
He said that the State Election Commission has directed all the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers of the State to closely monitor any such specific incident, whether reported or in process, in their respective districts. Monitor and submit a detailed report including your observations to the Commission within 24 hours.
Bidding started from Rs 50 lakh, the amount was to be spent on the development of the village.
This auction is for the post of Sarpanch in village Hardowal Kalan of Gurdaspur, Punjab. Hardowal Kalan is one of the largest villages in the district. The bidding for the auction held for the post of Sarpanch here started at Rs 50 lakh in which local BJP leader Atma Singh made the highest bid of Rs 2 crore. Local BJP leader Atma Singh, who made the payment through check after the bidding process, said the villagers have decided to elect a sarpanch who will give the maximum amount of money to the village. He said that the auction amount will be spent on the development of the village. He said a committee of villagers would decide on fund allocation. Atma Singh’s father has also been the Sarpanch of the village. Panchayat elections will be held in Punjab on 15 October.
AAP delegation met the Election Commissioner, Congress also condemned
At the same time, a delegation of Aam Aadmi Party led by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema reached the State Election Commission regarding this matter and expressed its concerns to the Election Commissioner. Cheema expressed concern over reports indicating that some persons are attempting to manipulate the election process by participating in the auction for Sarpanch and Panch posts. He said that this unethical practice not only tarnishes the sanctity of our democratic structure but also jeopardizes the essence of public representation. AAP representatives urged the Election Commission to take immediate action against any such irregularities and demanded an immediate investigation.
At the same time, Congress leader and leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly Pratap Singh Bajwa has also condemned the auction for the post of Sarpanch and demanded jail sentence for those who organized it. He said that this is open corruption. This is wrong. I want the Vigilance Bureau to take action against whoever offered Rs 2 crore.
Case reached High Court, demand to make guidelines
Meanwhile, Advocate Satinder Kaur has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging that the posts of Sarpanches are being sold in the Panchayat elections. In the petition, he said that this is a case of selling the posts of Sarpanches and is completely unconstitutional. A demand has been made to the High Court to make guidelines in this regard. The High Court will hear this matter on Thursday.
