The leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI (M), Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, has cited the alleged confinement of candidates from a grouping of major regional parties ahead of the District Development Council (DDC) elections. in Jammu and Kashmir against his wishes and urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure free and fair elections.
The CPI (M) is contesting the ballot box as part of the grouping called the People’s Alliance for the Gupkar Declaration, which was formed last month to fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status that was revoked last year with the annulment. of article 370 of the Constitution. .
In a letter to Sinha, Tarigami wrote that several candidates from the grouping stayed away from their constituencies and “grouped in clustered quarters.” He added that they are not allowed to campaign due to perceived threats to their lives. “Confining candidates against their wishes has severely restricted their movement and campaigning ability.”
Tarigami said that in some cases, candidates are not even allowed to attend their party meetings. “There have been some cases where opposing candidates are sent in the same vehicle to a village to campaign and asked to campaign together. Several candidates from far away places were sent to hotels in Srinagar shortly after completing the nomination forms last week. Not only the voters, but also the families of the candidates are also concerned. “
Tarigami called it a big concern and said there is a lot of dissatisfaction with such arrangements.
“Who wins and who loses, the decision must be made by the electorate. Democracy must finally win. For that, the process must be safe and credible. It is advisable not to impose avoidable restrictions on contending candidates and instead, their legitimate movement for the campaign in their respective areas should be effectively facilitated. Ensuring a free and fair environment for this process is essential. “
Former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah previously accused the police of harassing their workers ahead of the November 24 elections.
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