PDP president Mehbooba Mufti Friday alleged a conspiracy being hatched to defer elections in Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency so as to keep her out of Parliament, adding that such a move is fraught with serious consequences.
“I appeal both the Election Commission and the NDA Government not to indulge in any misadventure like deferring the elections ten days ahead of polling,” she said. Mufti was referring to the Thursday night communique from the Election Commission of India to J&K’s Chief Electoral Officer and Chief Secretary that some parties have approached it seeking postponement of elections on account of difficulties in campaigning due to the closure of the Mughal Road.
Later in the day, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah too joined the chorus, appealing to the Election Commission not to postpone elections. Speaking to the media alongside the party’s candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, Mian Altaf Lahrvi, Omar said, “The request has not come from those contesting from the seat. The road is open and even if it does rain, it’s not too difficult to travel on it. We are sending a letter to the ECI with our objections.”