SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) candidate from the 86-Budhal Assembly Segment, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, has approached the Election Commission with an urgent plea, alleging the collapse of the election machinery in District Rajouri. Choudhary has raised serious concerns regarding the impartiality of local election authorities, accusing them of colluding with the BJP candidate, Zulfkar Ali, ahead of the polling scheduled for tomorrow.
In a detailed letter to the Election Commission, Choudhary outlined several alarming incidents that suggest a breakdown of enforcement mechanisms in the district. He accused local authorities of turning a blind eye to widespread reports of cash and liquor distribution under the guise of security operations. According to Choudhary, despite numerous complaints, these activities have continued unchecked, with evidence of such practices circulating widely on social media platforms.
Choudhary also claimed that enforcement agencies are largely absent from the 86-Budhal constituency, forcing local citizens to take matters into their own hands by monitoring vehicles suspected of transporting cash, liquor, and BJP voter slips. He further alleged that despite the campaign cut-off at 6 PM on September 23, BJP activities have continued, with outside politicians and religious leaders holding press conferences as a cover for ongoing political campaigning.
One of the most pressing concerns raised by Choudhary in his letter was the alleged detention of over 50 JKNC election agents and community leaders by local police officers and magistrates. He accused local authorities of deliberately targeting JKNC workers to facilitate the BJP’s electoral efforts. “The inaction of the District Electoral Officer (DEO) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) highlights their complicity in allowing these violations,” Choudhary stated.
In addition, Choudhary expressed alarm over the withdrawal of security from a local District Development Council (DDC) member affiliated with JKNC, while BJP workers reportedly continue to operate freely under police protection. He further alleged that the BJP’s Chief Election Agent was seen distributing liquor to voters outside his home panchayat, with incriminating evidence circulating on social media.
“The blatant disregard for election laws and the targeted harassment of JKNC members reflect an alarming level of lawlessness in the 86-Budhal segment,” Choudhary said, adding that the absence of the Election Observer has raised concerns about possible bias towards the BJP.
Choudhary said that if the alleged harassment of JKNC workers continues, his party may be forced to boycott the election and mobilise its supporters to the district headquarters in protest. He urged the Election Commission to take immediate steps to restore the integrity of the electoral process in Rajouri.