FAISALABAD, Sept 19: The PML-N candidate for NA-83, Mian Mohammad Irfan, and some other local PML-N leaders have accused the Tehsil municipal administration (TMA) and local police of running the election campaign of PML-QA candidate Mushtaq Ali Cheema.

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, PML-N nominee Mian Mohammad Irfan, his father former MNA Mian Abdul Mannan, former MPA Khawaja Mohammad Islam and others alleged that the TMA was spending millions of rupees of development funds on the election campaign of PML-QA candidate Mushtaq Ali Cheema, who was a brother of Tehsil Nazim Mumtaz Ali Cheema.

They alleged that the PML-QA candidate had inaugurated TMA developmental projects worth Rs20 million in the localities covered by NA-83 in the presence of TMA officials in a blatant violation of electoral laws.

They claimed that TMA manpower and vehicles were being used to hang banners, hoist flags and paste posters of the PML-QA candidate and remove banners and posters of others in violation of the code of ethics issued by the Election Commission.

They further claimed that the city Nazim had directed sanitary workers, labourers and other low-paid employees of the TMA to remain present at the election offices of his brother.

Naib Nazims of union councils are also being given developmental funds for supporting the PML-QA nominee, they added.

They said that a formal complaint had been sent to the chief election commissioner and district returning officer for necessary action in this regard.

They also accused the local police of forcing the influential personalities of the constituency into supporting Mr Cheema. The police are also harassing some PML-N activists in a bid to make them change their loyalty, they added.

They urged upon the Election Commission to take cognizance of the activities of TMA Nazim and police. Otherwise, they warned, the PML-N would be forced to put up physical resistance that might cause clashes.