Punjab Cabinet Removes Political Party Symbols from Panchayat Polls

The Punjab cabinet has amended rules to conduct sarpanch and panch elections without political party symbols. The decision, aimed at strengthening village brotherhood, will see candidates using symbols allocated by the Election Commission instead. This change was announced by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The Punjab cabinet on Thursday announced a significant change in the election process for sarpanch and panch positions by eliminating political party symbols. This decision was confirmed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Cheema explained that the move aims to prioritize mutual brotherhood in villages. Previously, elections could be contested using symbols of political parties, but the new rules mean candidates will now use symbols designated by the Election Commission.

This amendment to Section 12 of the Punjab Panchayat Election Rules, 1994, approved by the cabinet, was discussed during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

(With inputs from agencies.)