Gurdaspur/ Chandigarh: The Gurdaspur parliamentary by-election yesterday witnessed moderate polling turnout amid incidents of violence. The poll percentage was recorded at 56% as compared to 70% in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will be held on October 15 after which the result will be announced on same day.
The Gurdaspur seat had fell vacant after the death of BJP MP Vinod Khanna.
As per media reports some incidents of violence gave a tough time to the police and paramilitary forces.
Harinder Singh Harry Pahra, former sarpanch of Pahra village and Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader was among five persons who were seriously injured after they were allegedly attacked by Congress workers. The injured have been admitted to the Gurdaspur Civil Hospital.
He alleged that SSP Harcharan Singh Bhullar was working under the influence of the Congress MLA. “The SSP has ordered officials of the Sadar police station not to register an FIR,” he alleged.
The SSP denied the allegations, saying that they were in the process of filing an FIR. “The investigation officer is looking into all aspects. Once he submits his report, an FIR will be registered,” he said. SAD-BJP leaders said they would gherao the police station if the SSP failed to act.
At Ghotpokhar village, there were minor incidents of violence, which were brought under control by the police.
On the other hand in a written press release Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Mr. V.K. Singh claimed that owing to the cooperation of district administration and political parties, the bye poll process remained peaceful.
He, however, added that on the eve of voting a total of 4 complaints were received but did not elaborate about the nature or the issue of the complaint.
Details as per Assembly Segment:
| No of assembly segment | Name of assembly segment | Poll percentage of bye election 2017 | Poll percentage of Assembly election Feb 2017 | Poll percentage of Parliamentary election 2014 |
| 1 | Sujanpur | 54.00 | 79.85 | 71.54 |
| 2 | Bhoa | 60.00 | 76.41 | 70.51 |
| 3 | Pathankot | 54.00 | 76.50 | 73.26 |
| 4 | Gurdaspur | 54.00 | 75.32 | 69.48 |
| 5 | Dinanagar | 54.00 | 73.53 | 65.89 |
| 6 | Qadian | 57.00 | 76.20 | 70.57 |
| 7 | Batala | 50.00 | 70.01 | 67.04 |
| 9 | Fatehgarh Churian | 63.00 | 76.45 | 72.23 |
| 10 | Dera Baba Nanak | 65.00 | 77.79 | 70.91 |
| Total | 56.00 | 70.03 | ||
Table Source: CEC, Punjab