Jammu : Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, voiced skepticism on Friday regarding demands from certain political parties to defer polling in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, suggesting that such requests were aimed at keeping her “out of the Parliament.”
Speaking at a press conference in Surankote, Poonch, Mehbooba expressed surprise at a recent circular issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) following requests from “BJP-patronized” parties for postponing the Lok Sabha election in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. She further questioned the rationale behind this demand, highlighting her recent travel on the Mughal Road, which was opened earlier than usual due to election preparations.
Mehbooba warned against any manipulation of the election schedule in Anantnag-Rajouri by the ECI, emphasizing potential negative repercussions. She appealed to the NDA government and ECI to avoid such actions, which could undermine the trust of Jammu and Kashmir residents in the electoral process, especially after the events of August 2019.
Regarding logistical challenges faced by the PDP, Mehbooba noted insufficient resources and reliance on party workers covering expenses out of their own pockets, making it impractical to handle the burden of poll deferment. She urged the ECI to provide transparency by disclosing the reasons behind considering the postponement.
In a direct message to the BJP and ECI, Mehbooba emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had already demonstrated confidence in the electoral system. She cautioned against repeating historical grievances, alluding to the contentious 1987 elections that have had lasting repercussions in Kashmir.
Mehbooba concluded by challenging New Delhi to be forthright about any desire to exclude her from elections, underscoring the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
