LUDHIANA: Leaders of two main parties Congress and SAD were in action even before the start of the Zila Parishad and Panchayat polls and most activity was witnessed in Dakha and nearby areas where in addition to former SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, congress biggies including MP Ravneet Singh Bittu and others were seen visiting almost every polling booth and there were several occasions when supporters of both parties came close enough to get into a brawl. However since the start of polls Ayali accused Bittu and other congress leaders of rigging and he even did a Facebook live and claimed the same.Speaking to TOI Ayali said, “This is worst ever display of goonda politics by congress party which projects itself to be a disciplined party. Hundreds of goons led by MP Bittu captured several booths in Sidhwa bet, Talwandi Kalan, Leeyan, Jangpura , Bharowal Khurd and they also prevented voters from voting and cast bogus votes. Congress leaders and workers captured 25 polling booths under Dakha constituency as they knew that if elections are held here fairly congress will not be able to win even a single zone. We have already complained to deputy commissioner about this and similar complaint will be lodged with state election commissioner about this unprecedented act and we will demand repolling at all of these booths but under surveillance of paramilitary forces."Confirming to TOI about Ayali’s complaint ADC cum Additional district election officer, Shena Aggarwal said, "We have recieved one complaint regarding booth capturing at Dakha, the complaint has been lodged by SAD and based upon the complaint we are looking into the matter and based on veracity of facts appropriate action will be taken.”However MP Bittu refuted claims of Ayali and said, “The charges of booth capturing levelled by Ayali are totally baseless, in fact everywhere elections were held peacefully and our workers exercised proper restraint even after instigation by the SAD leaders and workers. As far as me and any other Congress leader’s visit to booths is concerned it is our duty to go and visit the booths and check the on ground situations and boost morale of our workers who are doing their duties. As far as I know Ayali is known to be always using hue and cry tactics and play a victim card to hide is failures”

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