European Commission orders cancellation of gangster’s parole ahead of Jalandhar West by-election

Chandigarh, July 8 (PTI) The Election Commission on Monday said it has ordered cancellation of parole granted to gangster Daljit Singh Bhana till the election process for the July 10 bypoll for the Jalandhar West reserved assembly seat is completed.

The move follows complaints from the BJP and Congress opposing Bhana’s parole granted a few days ago.

According to an official statement, the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab has informed the Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar about the EC’s instructions.

“The Election Commission has directed that to ensure smooth election process and in view of the complaints received, the parole of Daljit Singh Bhana should be cancelled till the completion of the Jalandhar West by-election process,” it said.

The BJP and Congress have expressed concerns over Bhana’s release, saying it was aimed at intimidating voters. The parties alleged that the gangster was campaigning for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in West Jalandhar and also claimed that he could have been granted parole to seize polling stations on election day.

The Jalandhar West Assembly seat has fallen vacant following the resignation of sitting AAP MLA Sheetal Angural. The by-poll will be held from 7 am to 6 pm on July 10 and the votes will be counted on July 13. PTI CHS OZ IJT