Jammu, Apr 30: The decision of Election Commission of India (ECI) to reschedule the date of poll in Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency to May 25, 2024 has evoked a mixed response.
On anticipated lines, the parties, which were opposing the decision, remained vocal in reiterating their position on the issue. However, the candidates, who had demanded rescheduling or their parties which had sent representation to ECI, did not make any official comment, post ECI decision.
A few of them, in individual capacity though preferring anonymity, lauded the decision stating that it was in spirit of ECI’s commitment to the level-playing field. BJP and Congress did not issue any official comment, so far.
NC, PDP, in their immediate reactions, resented the decision yet reiterated their respective claims of registering win.
“This is yet another travesty of free exercise of franchise in J&K that has lost generations in pursuit of democratic rights. This decision to pander to the bonsai parties planted post August 19 is fraught with immense dangers. It’s a repeat of the disastrous 1987 election fraud,” senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar wrote on ‘X.’ “The rescheduling of Anantnag PC is a concern that should worry all who believe in the independence of our poll bodies. It’s troubling that the opinions of political parties not even in the race were taken into account. No matter what they do, Insha Allah @JKNC_will win the seat,” NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar posted on ‘X.’
Earlier during the day, DPAP president Ghulam Nabi Azad, in a presser at Rajouri, had reiterated his party’s demand for postponement of election on the pretext that Mughal road was closed. “It takes three days and two nights to come to Rajouri-Poonch from the valley,” he had lamented.
Post ECI decision, DPAP had not issued any official statement. Ditto was about BJP and J&K Apni Party.
Prior to ECI decision, J&K BJP on ‘X’ this evening, only posted, “BJP President, J&K Sh @RavinderRaina Ji chaired a meeting to Chalked out the Election Strategy for #Anantnag_Rajouri Parliament Seat.” Interestingly, PDP candidate and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti too, before ECI announced its decision, had posted, “Is this why BJP wants to defer the Anantnag – Rajouri election so that its leaders can openly threaten violence against Paharis to force them to vote for Apni party or else they will create communal tensions reminiscent of the 1947 partition? @ECISVEEP should take note & ensure peaceful and timely elections. The attempted deferment should be viewed in the context of threatening.”