Election Violence Rocks Punjab; Randhawa Slams AAP Over ‘Political Hooliganism’

Chandigarh, May 26, 2026: Former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa strongly condemned the alleged misuse of state machinery, political violence, and administrative pressure during the ongoing election process in Punjab. 
He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party was openly rigging elections and using the police and administration as political weapons to influence the democratic process. However, he asserted that the Congress Party would not be intimidated by such undemocratic politics.
Randhawa said that several incidents of violence, intimidation, and misconduct with the media had emerged from various parts of Punjab during the elections, reflecting the deteriorating democratic environment in the state. 
He expressed serious concern over the firing incident in Samana, clashes involving opposition workers in Raikot, Batala, and Samrala, as well as the tense atmosphere allegedly created during the elections in Majitha. He also strongly condemned the alleged attempt at booth capturing in Sujanpur and incidents where Sikh workers’ turbans were reportedly removed during clashes at some locations.
He stated that at several places, opposition party workers and candidates were allegedly prevented from campaigning, while posters and banners were removed and attempts were made to intimidate them through police pressure. “When candidates contesting elections democratically are being openly targeted, opposition workers are being threatened, and even the media is not being allowed to function independently, it signals a serious threat to both democracy and law and order in Punjab. Free and fair elections cannot take place in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” he said.
Randhawa also condemned the alleged mishandling of media personnel, stating that the role of a free press is extremely important in a democracy. However, mistreatment of journalists and media workers during election coverage is an attempt to weaken democratic institutions. He said that any effort to intimidate or pressure the media is unacceptable.
Randhawa urged the Election Commission of India to immediately take cognizance of the matter, conduct an impartial investigation into the incidents reported in Samana, Raikot, Samrala, and Majitha, and take strict measures to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in Punjab.