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

CHANDIGARH: The Election Commission on Monday said it has ordered cancellation of parole granted to gangster Daljit Singh Bhana until the election process for the July 10 bypoll for the reserved Jalandhar West Assembly seat is completed. The move follows complaints from the BJP and the Congress opposing the parole granted to Bhana 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 had expressed concerns over Bhana’s release, alleging that the move was aimed at intimidate votersThe parties alleged that the gangster was campaigning for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (PAA) in Jalandhar West segment and also claimed that he could have been granted parole to storm polling stations on election day.
Jalandhar West Assembly seat falls vacant following resignation of sitting AAP MLA Angural LeafThe by-election will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 10, and votes will be counted on July 13.