Poll-bound Punjab celebrates R-Day under EC watch
January 26th, 2012 - 1:19 pm ICT by IANS
Chandigarh, Jan 26 (IANS) Republic Day was celebrated in Punjab Thursday under the watchful eye of the Election Commission (EC) officials as the state goes to assembly polls Jan 30.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal unfurled the national flag in Ferozepur town while deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal did it in Mohali town, adjoining Chandigarh.
The EC, while allowing the chief minister and ministers to hoist the national flag at official functions, had directed that no political element or listing of achievements of the government would be done in the speeches of the leaders.
The EC had also directed that all political functionaries, who are contesting elections will not be allowed to attend Republic Day functions in the district from where they are contesting the polls.
In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, the Republic Day function was held at the Sector 17 Parade Ground where the adviser to the administrator, K.K. Sharma, took the salute.
A colourful cultural programme followed the marching contingents of the police and other services. Another attraction was the double-decker ‘Hop on-Hop off’ bus which was decorated for the occasion.
Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil chose to attend the Republic Day function in Rajasthan as he holds additional charge of the governor of that state also.
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- Haryana celebrates Republic Day with fanfare - Jan 26, 2011
- Poll panel bans political speeches at R-Day functions - Jan 04, 2012
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- Over 77 percent voting in Punjab, one killed in violence (Roundup) - Jan 30, 2012
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- Bihar celebrates 62nd Republic Day - Jan 26, 2011
- Parkash Singh Badal pitted against brother for Lambi seat - Dec 31, 2011
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- EC bans 'peo-puttar' words in Punjab poll campaign - Jan 22, 2012
Tags: adviser, assembly polls, capital of punjab, deputy chief minister, ec, election commission, elections, hop on hop off bus, national flag, parade ground, parkash, political element, rajasthan, republic day, salute, sector 17, speeches, watchful eye