Mehbooba Mufti Slams Election Commission for Alleged BJP Influence in J&K Vote Counting Date Change

SRINAGAR, Sept 1: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has raised serious allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), claiming that the date for counting votes in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has been altered under pressure from the BJP. Speaking to reporters, Mufti argued that the ECI appears to be acting in accordance with the BJP’s preferences, citing her own experience during the Lok Sabha elections when she alleges that polling dates were changed without necessity to benefit the ruling party. Her comments came after the ECI announced a shift in the counting date for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls from October 4 to October 8, following a similar change in the Haryana election dates due to a festival.

Mufti’s criticism extended beyond the election schedule to the transfer of senior police officers during the election period. While she expressed satisfaction that the officers appointed are locals, she voiced concerns about ensuring a free and fair electoral process. She referenced the 1987 elections in Jammu and Kashmir, notorious for alleged rigging and the subsequent unrest, hoping that history would not repeat itself.

Additionally, Mufti condemned recent amendments to the Wakf Properties Act, accusing the government of trying to undermine the rights of Muslims. She argued that the new provisions, which transfer adjudication powers from the courts to magistrates, are likely to be misused, compromising the integrity of Wakf properties.

Commenting on the recent decision to curtail the two-hour Namaz break in the Assam Assembly, Mufti described it as a deliberate attempt to communalize the situation. She criticized the lack of response from Muslim members of the Assam Assembly and labeled the move as a “cheap act” aimed at creating division.