📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Politics
Akali Dal splinter seeks registration before Punjab polls, ECI raises security concerns
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 04:46 AM
👁 10
The Election Commission of India has flagged national security concerns over the registration request of an Akali Dal offshoot that aims to contest the upcoming Punjab assembly elections.
An offshoot of the Shiromani Akali Dal has formally applied to the Election Commission of India for recognition as a political party ahead of the scheduled Punjab assembly polls. The group, which split from the parent party over ideological differences, seeks to field candidates in the upcoming election cycle.
The Election Commission, while processing the application, has raised objections citing potential threats to national security. Officials indicated that the party's leadership and affiliations require thorough scrutiny before any registration can be granted, emphasizing the need to safeguard the electoral process.
If the commission denies the request, the splinter group will be barred from contesting the polls under a separate banner, limiting its ability to influence the electoral outcome. The decision is expected to be communicated in the coming weeks, ahead of the final phases of candidate nominations.
The Election Commission, while processing the application, has raised objections citing potential threats to national security. Officials indicated that the party's leadership and affiliations require thorough scrutiny before any registration can be granted, emphasizing the need to safeguard the electoral process.
If the commission denies the request, the splinter group will be barred from contesting the polls under a separate banner, limiting its ability to influence the electoral outcome. The decision is expected to be communicated in the coming weeks, ahead of the final phases of candidate nominations.