EC deferred polling in J&K's Anantnag to manipulate voting pattern, allege National Conference, PDP

The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party alleged on Wednesday that the deferring of polls in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat by the Election Commission is “aimed at manipulating the voting pattern”, The Hindu reported.

On Tuesday, the Election Commission deferred the Lok Sabha elections in Anantnag-Rajouri from May 7 to May 25. The poll body said that it had received several representations stating that there would be logistical and communication-related difficulties in holding the polling on May 7.

On Wednesday, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti alleged there was “a collusion at play between the officials and the Election Commission to manipulate the electoral process”.

On Tuesday, Mufti had also said that the deferment should be viewed in light of

to vote for the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party. The National Conference and the

have alleged that the Apni Party is working hand in glove with the BJP.

“The authorities deliberately delayed elections to manipulate voters in favour of BJP allies and frighten the people not to exercise their franchise against the ongoing onslaught of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and resources,” The Hindu quoted her as saying.

Former chief minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah also raised similar concerns.

“We are seeing a conspiracy [in the delaying of polls],” Abdullah said, reported the newspaper....

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