SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday accused the BJP, National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of colluding in “match-fixing” during the Rajya Sabha elections.
Recalling his experience from the 2015 Rajya Sabha polls, Lone said, “I remember in 2015 I cast my vote in Rajya Sabha. Our party did not have a candidate, but the ruling alliance requested us to have an agent of their choice.”
He said the appointed person, despite not being an MLA, verified his vote as well as that of his colleague and fellow MLA, Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar.
Questioning the conduct of both NC and PDP, Lone said it was “highly improbable” that the two parties were unaware of the election rules, especially given that appointing polling agents is a crucial procedural aspect of Rajya Sabha elections.
Referring to election rules recently highlighted by journalist Umer in a widely circulated social media post (tweet), Lone said the regulations were unambiguous.
“A party can appoint an agent, whether the party fields a candidate or not. The only time when you cannot appoint an agent is when the party does not want to appoint one,” he said.
Lone alleged that NC did not insist on the appointment of agents, and PDP simply did not appoint agents, hints at a much bigger spread in match fixing.
He further noted that an RTI filed by journalist Umer indicated that BJP, NC and PDP were part of the Rajya Sabha fixing, and alleged that the BJP could not have secured the Rajya Sabha seat without the active support of NC and PDP.
Concluding his remarks, Lone said, “Good luck to the people of Kashmir. Unfortunately, the joke is on them.” — (KIMS)