Election Commission changed date of counting of votes in Jammu and Kashmir at BJP’s behest: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, September 1

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has changed the date of counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls at the behest of the BJP.

While addressing mediapersons after several second rung politicians joined the PDP at the party office here, Mufti said, “It (ECI) does what suits the BJP. When I contested the Lok Sabha election, they unnecessarily changed the date of polling. Everything is done as per the wishes of the BJP and its proxy parties.”

On Saturday, the ECI announced a change in the day of counting of votes in Jammu and Kashmir from October 4 to October 8.

The move came after the poll body changed the polling date in Haryana from October 1 to October 5 in view of a festival.

On the transfer of senior police officials during the elections, the PDP chief said she was happy that all the officers were locals and hoped they would help in conducting free, fair and impartial elections.

“We all know what happened in 1987. The malpractices led to bloodshed which has not stopped so far. I hope that all the staff involved in the election process will play their role to ensure free and fair elections,” she added.

On the amendment in the Waqf Properties Act, Mufti said it was aimed at dispossession of the Muslims.

“Waqf means donating something in the way of Allah. Earlier, the courts would adjudicate in case of dispute, now a magistrate has been given the powers. The magistrate will do what he is told to,” she said.

On the curtailing of two-hour Namaz break in the Assam Assembly, Mufti said it was a “cheap act” to communalise the situation.

“The Muslim Assembly members from Assam have not spoken about it and you expect us to make noise from here. Having said that, it is a cheap act to communalise the situation,” she added.