Amidst the bustling atmosphere of election campaigns and the ongoing farmers agitation, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C on Thursday issued a plea to the farmers unions, urging them to refrain from disrupting election campaigns of Lok Sabha candidates in the State. The call for cooperation comes in the wake of escalating tensions and opposition against BJP candidates and leaders in the rural areas.   Notably, BJP candidates and leaders have encountered protests and been greeted with black flags during their campaign outings, particularly in rural regions. Moreover, the entry of BJP leaders has also been barred in several villages, adversely affecting their election activities.   The CEOs request to the farm unions came days after he, in an interview with The Pioneer, had described the ongoing farmers agitation as a significant challenge in ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections while safeguarding the security of candidates, especially the BJP. In fact, the Punjab BJP unit had also submitted a formal complaint with the CEO office regarding the same. The CEO has sought a detailed action taken report from the state police chief.   On the other hand, a farmers delegation, led by the heads of different factions Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) — Balbir Singh (Rajewal), Harinder Singh (Lakhowal), and Harmeet Singh (Kadian) — submitted a memorandum to the CEO outlining their demands for fair electoral practices.   The memorandum demanded that political leaders, candidates, and security forces refrain from employing high-handed tactics towards the citizens questioning them during election campaigns. They also warned that any undue interference or intimidation by government machinery or the Election Commission would bear consequences for the integrity of the electoral process.   The delegation emphasized the necessity for candidates to address citizens queries in a peaceful manner, highlighting a growing trend of active civic engagement among voters in Punjab. Citizens, emboldened by recent historic protests, are asserting their right to scrutinize candidates promises and records, marking a significant shift in democratic engagement.   This newfound assertiveness is particularly evident in Punjab, where the farming community, having played a pivotal role in recent historic protests, has become a symbol of peaceful resistance. The experiences garnered during these protests have instilled a sense of empowerment among farmers and labourers, urging them to participate actively in the electoral process, read the memorandum.   The farmers memorandum also underscored the challenges posed by traditional one-sided electoral affairs, where candidates monopolize discourse. As India celebrates 76 years of Independence, citizens are increasingly vocal about their concerns, demanding accountability and transparency from political leaders, it added.   However, the surge in civic engagement has faced resistance from some politicians accustomed to unilateral control. Instances of peaceful questioners being detained or harassed have sparked outrage, prompting calls for electoral fairness and respect for constitutional rights, said the memorandum, with the BKU denouncing such tactics, vowing to uphold peace while demanding accountability from candidates and law enforcement agencies.   The delegation emphasized its dedication to peaceful engagement and urged the Election Commission to facilitate open dialogue between candidates and voters. It also cautioned against violations of citizens rights and held the government and law enforcement accountable for any transgressions of democratic principles.   Ensure level playing field, security of all candidates during campaign period: CEO to all DCs, CPs, SSPs   Punjab CEO, in a circular issued to all the all Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers, Commissioners of Police, and Senior Superintendents of Police on Thursday, instructed them to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and their security.   The CEO stressed that ensuring the security of candidates is one of the primary responsibilities of the district election machinery and the Election Commission of India is serious about this matter.   He said that it has come to his attention that numerous incidents have been reported from various parts of the state, and these were highlighted through various complaints and reports in the media, involving political party candidates being obstructed by agitating farmers, thereby impeding the candidates democratic right to campaign and convey their manifesto to the citizens of the State. Such actions go against the directions and guidelines of the ECI, he added.   It has been observed that gatherings by protesting farmers are often held without permissions, despite orders by the District Magistrates under Section 144 of CrPC and loudspeakers are also used without permission, he added.   As outlined by the ECI, the CEO said that ensuring the security of candidates and adhering to its guidelines is essential to providing a level playing field for all candidates through fair campaigning. It is the duty of all district election machinery to follow these guidelines and ensure their implementation in the field. No one should be allowed to take the law into their hands, he said.   The CEO directed all officers to implement these directions in letter and spirit and if any such incidence notice will be viewed seriously and brought to the notice of ECI.

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