Scuffle breaks out over illegitimate votes in Ludhiana

Ludhiana/Patiala, Jan 30 (ANI): A scuffle broke out between Bharatiya Janata Party and People's Party of Punjab (PPP) activists over vote buying accusations on Monday.

Sanjay Kapur, a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Ludhiana constituency, complained of being attacked by an armed mob when he objected to the PPP's wrong doing.

"When I reached the spot I saw a huge group of PPP activists giving money to voters. While distributing money they came to know that Sanjay Kapur has arrived. They threatened me upon seeing him," an injured Kapur told reporters here.

In Punjab, the main battle is expected between the state-ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP alliance and the Congress Party.

Paramilitary forces were rushed to spot in order to ensure the polls to continue smoothly.

Reacting over the violence, a polling official said that they have urged people not to create chaos, as it would lead to great mess.

"Some people were distributing money and BJP councillor objected to it which led to a scuffle. I have assured the councillor that you have to allow the poll to be continued peacefully, so do not congregate, do not take mobs, you get your MLC (Medico Legal Examination) done," he said.

Meanwhile, some voters in Patiala were also attacked while they were coming back after casting their votes.

An injured voter, Ramesh Chand, said that he had no clue about who was responsible for this untoward attack.

According to media reports, 17,683,559 voters will decide the fate of candidates.

The ensuing polls are being viewed as an opportunity for India's major parties to re-establish or strengthen their foothold in the country's five major states.

The results of the polls would be declared on March 6. (ANI)