Mehbooba Mufti Demands Action: Stop Vote-Buying and Electoral Malpractices in J&K
1987 Election Turmoil Must Not Repeat": Mehbooba Mufti Urges ECI to Combat Electoral Corruption
SRINAGAR, Sept 24: Former Chief Minister and President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has formally appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take decisive action against alleged electoral malpractices, specifically citing concerns over “vote-buying” and the distribution of money during the ongoing election process.
The call to action follows accusations from the PDP candidate in Budgam, Agha Syed Muntazir, who has accused the National Conference (NC) of manipulating the electoral process and violating the Model Code of Conduct. In a letter addressed to the ECI, which he shared on his social media platform, Muntazir raised serious concerns about the conduct of the NC and its impact on the integrity of the elections.
Muntazir stated, “The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) appears to be leveraging its political influence to intimidate voters. There are widespread and illegal distributions of money occurring, and individuals affiliated with my party and my supporters are facing threats regarding potential repercussions on polling day and beyond.” He is contesting against NC Vice President Omar Abdullah in Budgam, making the stakes particularly high in this election.
In addition to raising concerns about the NC’s tactics, Muntazir also expressed apprehension about the perceived impartiality of both the district administration and local police. He urged the ECI to take immediate corrective measures by deploying adequate personnel to investigate these allegations and ensure the election process remains free and fair.
Responding to her party candidate’s concerns, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti shared the letter with the public, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. In her post on X, she stated, “We are receiving disturbing reports about money being distributed to buy votes in Budgam and Ganderbal. I urge the ECI to direct the police and local administration to put a stop to these electoral malpractices. We have witnessed the catastrophic consequences of the blatant rigging during the 1987 elections, which plunged Jammu and Kashmir into turmoil.”
Mufti’s call to action highlights the PDP’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard without coercion or manipulation. As the elections progress, the focus remains on the integrity of the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, with both parties urging the ECI to take a firm stand against any form of malpractice.
