Congress Demands For Punjab-BJP Minister Joshi To Step Down After Criminal Charges

AMRITSAR – The PPCC demanded resignation of Local Body Minister AnilJoshi following his indictment by the Election Commission, which has orderedthe registration of a criminal case against him under the Representation ofPeople Act 1950. In a statement issued here, Congress leaders OP Soni, SardoolSingh, Rajiv Bhagat Gurjit Aujla, Karamjit Singh Rintu, Anil Datta and VirenderSharma said Joshi had no moral right to continue in his post after allegations ofenrolling as voter at two places were “found true”.They demanded registration of criminal cases against Joshi under sections 420,468 and 120 of the IPC for fabrication of documents. They also demanded legalaction against Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar and Tarn Taran under Section201 of the IPC for “destroying evidence”.The leaders alleged the Deputy Commissioners, in their capacity as ReturningOfficers, had given report to the EC that documents submitted by Joshi were nottraceable. They said Joshi had filed a false affidavit that he was enrolled as voterat one place only. Since the vote on the basis of which Joshi had contested theassembly poll from Amritsar (North) had “become null and void”, the EC musttake steps to unseat him, they added.