The Election Commission (EC) has issued a stern warning to former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar Congress candidate, Charanjeet Singh Channi, for violating the model code of conduct. Channi had referred to the recent terror attack on air force personnel in Poonch as an election stunt orchestrated by the BJP.
On May 13, Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, flagged Channi’s comments about the May 4 attack, identifying them as a breach of the model code. The EC was consulted for further action on the matter. Following this, Channi was required to explain his comments to the district election officer-cum-deputy commissioner of Jalandhar.
An EC spokesperson reported that Channi’s explanation was found unsatisfactory, thus constituting a violation of the model code of conduct. The EC has advised Channi to refrain from making similar remarks in the future.
The BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC on May 7, demanding the registration of an FIR against Channi and an unconditional apology from him. The incident in question involved an attack on an Indian Air Force convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where Corporal Vikky Pahade lost his life, and four other personnel were injured.
Polling for the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab is scheduled for June 1, during the seventh phase of the elections. The EC’s warning to Channi underscores the importance of adhering to the model code of conduct as political tensions rise in the lead-up to the polls.
