Chandigarh, 16 May (H.S.): The Shiromani Akali Dal on Saturday urged the State Election Commission to ensure justice for its candidates who were allegedly denied No Objection Certificates by the Majitha Municipal Committee Executive Officer. The party warned that it may approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court if the issue is not resolved.

A SAD delegation led by senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia met State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhary and informed him that none of the party’s candidates were issued the mandatory NOCs for four consecutive days. These certificates are essential for contesting the upcoming municipal elections.

Majithia stated that despite this, all SAD candidates submitted their nomination papers along with affidavits declaring that they had cleared all dues and fulfilled the required norms.

He alleged that Chief Minister’s OSD Rajbir Ghuman was directly interfering in the election process. “We have learned that pressure is being put on EO Ramandeep Waraich to reject half of our candidates’ nominations so that SAD becomes ineligible to form its President,” he said, urging the Commission to ensure fair scrutiny.

Majithia also lodged a strong complaint against the functioning of the Majitha EO, claiming that Ramandeep Waraich had earlier been reprimanded by the Election Commission of India during the Ludhiana Central bypoll in June 2025, with directions for disciplinary action. Despite this, he was appointed as Executive Officer in Majitha, Majithia added.

SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler was also present during the meeting.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH