Ludhiana, February 28: The Congress today swept Punjab’s cash-rich Ludhiana Municipal Corporation polls with an absolute majority by winning 62 out of 95 wards.
The Shiromani Akali Dal won 11 seats, BJP 10, Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) of Bains brothers seven, Independent candidates four, while AAP, the main Opposition party in the Assembly, could win only one ward.A total of 59.14 per cent polling was recorded on February 24, while re-polling in two booths of ward 44 was held on Monday.
LIP chief MLA Simarjit Singh Bains accused the Congress of winning the elections on the basis of “goondagardi, booth capturing and bogus voting”. “Voters were afraid of the Congress’ high- handedness, which resulted in low polling. Overall, we are thankful to the residents of Ludhiana,” he said.
District SAD president Ranjit Singh Dhillon accused the ruling party of bogus voting and booth capturing.
Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Congress MLA from Ludhiana West, said: “We are thankful to the voters for this historic win. As people showed faith in us, we will ensure overall development.
Civic issues and grievances will be redressed on a priority basis.”Refuting allegations leveled by the Opposition, Ashu said the elections were held in a peaceful manner. “In the MC elections-2012, I was attacked too.
Several incidents, including a murder, had also been reported. But this time, by and large the elections were held in free and fair manner.”In 2012, SAD had won 27, BJP 12, Congress 19 and Independents 17 of the 75 wards.
Source Tribune India
