ECI must make reasons of rejecting Sarjan Barkti's nomination public: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Aug 28: Jammu and Kashmir former Chief Minister and JKPDP president, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday asked the Election Commission of India to make the reasons for rejecting jailed separatist leader, Sarjan Barkati's nomination public.

On Tuesday, reports came in that Barkati had filed his nomination from his native village of Zainapora in south Kashmir's Shopian. His young daughter canvassed for her jailed father.

However, on Wednesday afternoon Barkati's nomination was rejected by the Election body, without giving any reasons.

Reacting to the development, Mehbooba wrote on her official X-handle, "Sorry to hear about the rejection of assembly nomination form of Sarjan Barkati from Zainpora. Election Commissioner must make the reasons public for this decision. Democracy is a battle of ideas, and everyone should be given a chance to participate in it."