“Referendum” mentioned only to emphasize the importance of elections: PDP

People’s Democratic Party of India (PDP) candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Friday responded to a notice from the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying that the reference to a ‘referendum’ was ‘to emphasize the importance of elections. Yes, and nothing else.” ”. Meanwhile, the administration allowed a poll rally in Baramulla Lok Sabha seat a day after National Conference (NC) candidate Omar Abdullah filed a complaint.

“References to the aspect that ‘the next election is like a referendum’ point out the importance of this election and nothing else. Any other inference someone has drawn… , was not the intention of the signatories,” Parra said in his reply.

In a notification on Thursday, the ECI announced that it will give two days’ time to clear the speeches made during election campaigning in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

legitimate problem

But Parra defended the use of expressions such as “silence of the people” and “Kashmiris are not happy with New Delhi”.

“These are purely electoral issues, and candidates seeking public mandates have a legitimate right to raise them, and it is not difficult to imagine that this could be interpreted as a violation of the MCC.” states.

Regarding “young people languishing in prisons and children becoming addicted to drugs,” the response said, “This represents the ‘Kashmir issue,’ and the same is once again a pressing election issue,” the signatories said. has the right to incite.” he added.

Mr Pala said he hoped the issues raised would be “addressed by the Indian Parliament”. “In the light of the present reply, the possibility of “aggravating inter-communal differences” and “causing discontent” in society is completely ruled out. I reiterate that this is based on speculation,” Parra said.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, who supports Para, said, “The main reason why we fielded Para from Srinagar constituency is that there is no one else but him who empathizes with the pain of the common Kashmiri people and can represent them in Parliament.” That’s true.” He himself comes from a poor background, and there is no one better able to represent the people, their true aspirations and needs in Parliament. He represents young people who are tortured, imprisoned, hunted and ridiculed. ”

Commenting on the ECI’s notice, Ms. Mufti said, “While Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are spewing venom at poll rallies, inciting riots and pitting Hindus and Muslims against each other, the ECI remains silent. It’s ironic.” But when a candidate talks about the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a warning is sent. This will help us understand what is going on in this country and where it is happening,” Mufti said.

NC rallies are allowed

Meanwhile, a day after the administration wrote to the ECI about attempts to postpone poll rally in Sopore in Baramulla-Lok Sabha constituency, North Carolina candidate Omar Abdullah has refused to hold the rally as earlier proposed. was allowed.

District Election Officer Baramulla said that on the advice of the Sopore Senior Superintendent of Police, due to credible security concerns, it was necessary to reschedule the political event to May 9, 2024.

“After a fresh assessment of the situation on the ground, SSP Sopore has provided an updated recommendation to allow political activities from May 10, 2024, subject to compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) guidelines. It is important to note that subsequently, all the permissions sought by (NC) Javed Ahmad Dar were granted on May 9, 2024, based on revised recommendations received from SSP Sopore and ECI guidelines.” said the DEO.