A resounding endorsement from the government propelled first-time candidate Parvinder Kaur Banga to an overwhelming victory in today’s NRI Sabha chief elections.
Out of the 168 total votes cast, she secured a triumphant win with an impressive 147 votes in her favour. Meanwhile, her rival, former Sabha president Jasvir Gill, managed to garner only 12 votes, with seven votes declared invalid. The third candidate, Kamaljit Hayre, withdrew from the race a day prior to the election.
Parvinder Kaur Banga Comment
The voting process was not without controversy. Gill and his supporters alleged election rigging by the government in favour of Banga. In response, they staged a sit-in protest at the sabha gates but dispersed when threatened with police action and the possibility of an FIR being lodged against them.
Gill raised concerns about the limited participation, citing restrictions imposed by the administration. Despite the sabha having 24,000 members, only 168 votes were cast.
Gill claimed that the government’s restrictions prevented several NRIs from participating, including those unable to renew their ID cards or those who didn’t have their passports.
Addressing the situation, Gill further alleged the issuance of fake ID cards to some NRIs who were allowed to vote, a concern he brought to the attention of the Returning Officer during the election.
Banga expressed her commitment to fostering a positive and productive atmosphere within the NRI Sabha. She pledged to build trust among NRIs regarding the government’s operations, aiming to encourage increased investments in the region.
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