The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress have accused the Moga Deputy Commissioner, IAS officer Sagar Setia, of mentally harassing Baghapurana Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Babandeep Singh Walia to ensure AAP candidates were elected chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Baghapurana Panchayat Samiti.
SAD leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, along with Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Pargat Singh, released a purported letter from SDM Walia complaining of harassment and undue pressure from the DC.
Setia dismissed the allegations as 'fake' and said Walia has been under scrutiny following multiple complaints from panchayat samiti members against him. The controversy comes as the AAP government faces mounting criticism from opposition parties over alleged misconduct.
According to the letter shared by the opposition, SDM Walia claimed he faced mental harassment from the DC over the chairperson and vice-chairperson elections scheduled for March 17.
He stated that the process could not be completed due to a prevailing law and order situation at the venue, which he had promptly reported to the Moga DC. Walia further alleged that such actions appeared to stem from external interference.
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia described the SDM as being 'pushed to the brink' and denied justice despite writing to the Chief Secretary, drawing parallels with the Randhawa case.
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, “After Gagandeep Singh Randhawa’s tragic death, now disturbing reports suggest SDM Baghapurana, Babandeep Singh, is being pressured to favour AAP candidates.”
Also read: Official’s suicide: Oppn holds joint protest against AAP
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