Stolen symbol, BJP backing, agent accusations rock constituency

Baramulla, Sep 24: As the election fervour is intensifying in the Baramulla assembly constituency with each passing day, dramatic scenes are witnessed with candidates engaging in bitter mudslinging and personal attacks.

The elections are scheduled for October 1 in north Kashmir including the Baramulla assembly constituency.

As the election date nears, campaigning is gaining momentum with each candidate intensifying its rally and public addresses to appeal to voters.

However, the political battle which started on a routine note, has now transformed into a high-voltage political drama, with candidates trading accusations ranging from being “agents” of outside forces to stealing election symbols.

The move has further escalated tensions in the constituency.

On the day of allotting election symbols, an independent candidate Touseef Raina, who was allotted the symbol of 'Pressure Cooker' complained that the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) workers created a ruckus in the office of the Returning Officer and claimed that the candidate stole their symbol.

“But the symbol was allotted to me by draw of lots. There was no personal involvement in it. The officers were present there at the spot. I was allotted the symbol while following a proper procedure,” Raina said.

As the issue was yet to settle, the AIP labelled Raina as a “BJP agent”.

Raina while responding to the allegations sparked new debate by saying that a renowned politician from the town was backed by the BJP.

“We received directions to support a particular candidate in the constituency. The people associated with the BJP have clear directions to support a particular candidate. The candidate backed by BJP should openly accept it now,” Raina said.

A few days later, Muzaffar Hussain Baig while responding to the allegations said he would file defamation against the candidate who was levelling allegations against him of being a BJP proxy in the constituency.

“You tell me the name of the candidate who has said this. I will file a defamation case against him," Beigh told reporters here.

The political drama did not end here as Safina Baig while campaigning for Muzaffar Baig launched a scathing attack on the NC.

She launched a personal attack on the NC Vice President Omar Abdullah saying, “The NC candidate in Baramulla is invoking Islam while appealing to people to vote for him but Omar Abdullah is not a Muslim.”

Safina Baig urged people at the rally not to fall prey to the NC propaganda.

With each passing day, the electoral battle is heating up as the war of words continues among the contesting candidates.

In a recent development, NC candidate Javid Hassan Baig in his video message said that his supporters and workers who had been associated with him during his political journey were being harassed and their families targeted.

“I have received complaints that the family members of the workers and supporters who have been with me in politics for the past 25 years are being harassed,” Javid Baig said. “They are being targeted.”

He said that the move might bring “political benefits” to him but the authorities should look into the matter and ensure that the assembly polls are conducted peacefully.

“I request the authorities that we are contesting this election by imposing trust in an institution. If any of my workers or supporters are harmed, I will raise my voice,” Javid Baig said.

He said that by using power and harassing his workers, the person or the party cannot push him out of the election.

“Such tactics will backfire on you. The respect you already have at stake will be further diminished,” Javid Baig said without pointing to any contesting candidate.

Twenty-five candidates including 15 independents and 10 candidates affiliated with different political parties are contesting for the seat.