‘Alien’ party workers told to return home

Political functionaries and party workers,who had been brought from outside the constituency to bolster the campaign,were also directed to leave as their continued presence may undermine the atmosphere of free and fair polls.

In Mohali,Kharar and Chamkaur Sahib Assembly segments of Mohali district,comprising the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency,the candidates of the Congress and the SAD-BJP combine have emerged as front-runners though the BSP and CPI (M) nominees are also in the poll fray among a total of 14 contestants.

District Magistrates Prabhjot Singh Mand (Mohali) and Priyank Bharti (Ropar) have prohibited carrying and display of arms,firearms,explosives and sharp-edged weapons in both the districts with immediate effect. All liquor shops and taverns have been asked to remain shut from 5 pm on Monday till 5 pm on Wednesday during which hotels and restaurants are also prohibited from serving liquor.

Meanwhile,hundreds of party workers are making last-ditch efforts to woo voters. Flags,banners and posters are a common sight in the urban areas while candidates can be seen focussing on door-to-door canvassing in the rural areas.

The Congress poll plans seems to be development and prosperity under the UPA government at the Centre while the SAD-BJP combine is stressing the non-performance of the outgoing regime,financial mismanagement and the performance of its present regime in Punjab. Local issues also figure prominently in the campaigns. A number of top leaders,including AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi,Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal,the SAD president Sukhbir Badal,INLD president and former Haryana Punjab Chief Minister Om Parkash Chautala,former Punjab Chief Ministers Captain Amarinder Singh,Rajinder Kaur Bhattal,Union Minister Ambika Soni and AICC general secretary Mohsina Kidwai had pulled crowds in favour of their respective parties earlier.