NC leader Javed Iqbal Choudhary seeks ECI intervention on alleged breakdown of election machinery in Rajouri

Srinagar, Sep 24: J&K National Conference (JKNC) contesting candidate from 86-Budhal Rajouri district Javed Iqbal Choudhary Tuesday sought urgent intervention of Election Commission of India (ECI) on alleged breakdown of election machinery in the district.

In a letter to Election Commission of India (ECI), Choudhary said that I am writing to urgently bring to your attention the complete breakdown of the election machinery in District Rajouri, where there are alarming instances of collusion between local election authorities and the BJP candidate, Zulfkar Ali. He said that reports of cash and liquor distribution under the guise of security have persisted despite numerous complaints which is widely reported on social media.

Choudhary said that in 86-Budhal Assembly Segment, the situation has escalated. Enforcement agencies appear to be absent, forcing citizens to monitor vehicles transporting cash, liquor, and BJP voter slips. Despite the campaign cut-off at 6 PM on September 23, 2024, BJP activities are continuing unabated, with outside politicians and religious leaders actively campaigning under the pretext of press conferences.

I am particularly disturbed by the actions of local SHOs, Magistrates, and Civil Officers, who have detained over 50 JKNC election agents and community leaders. This is clearly an attempt to facilitate the BJP's efforts to influence the election through illicit means. The DEO and SSP's inaction further underscores their complicity, Choudhary stated.

Moreover, it is concerning that security for a DDC Member from Budhal was withdrawn under dubious circumstances, while BJP workers are allowed to operate freely with police protection. Last night, the BJP's Chief Election Agent was seen distributing liquor beyond his home Panchayat, with incriminating evidence circulating on social media, he said.

The blatant disregard for election laws and the targeting of JKNC members reflect an alarming level of lawlessness in the 86-Budhal segment. The Election Observer appears to be absent, raising serious concerns about potential bias towards the BJP, he added.

He further added that as per reports received from the constituency, the SHO has called Sarpanch Shams Din of Panghlar, Sarpanch Kalu Khan of Oudhan and Sarpanch Muneer Ahmed of Kotercharwal to sit in police station till close of poll, to facilitate distribution of money and liquor by BJP under security cover.

The NC leader continued that more than 50 NC workers have been called for detention at Peeri. At Budhal 7 of my polling agents have been detained to sabotage election polling tomorrow. At Kandi 3 of my polling agents have been detained. There are phone calls to more than 200 NC workers to report to the police station immediately till the close of poll, he said and added, if this harassment of our party members continues, we will be compelled to boycott the election tomorrow and mobilize our supporters towards the district headquarters.

The NC leader urged ECI to take immediate action to restore the integrity of the electoral process in Rajouri.