Mehbooba Mufti Alleges BJP Influence Over Election Commission Decisions

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti accused the Election Commission of altering the counting date for Jammu and Kashmir polls under BJP's influence. She criticized the commission for catering to BJP’s preferences, citing similar occurrences during previous elections. Mufti hopes local officers ensure fair elections and condemned amendments to Wakf properties act and curtailment of Namaz breaks.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday accused the Election Commission of changing the vote counting date for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections at the behest of the BJP.

'The Election Commission caters to BJP's whims. When I contested the Lok Sabha elections, the polling date was unnecessarily changed,' she told reporters after welcoming new politicians to the PDP.

The Election Commission revised the vote counting to October 8, following a date change in Haryana due to a festival. Mufti expressed hope that local police officers will conduct fair elections, referencing the 1987 malpractices.

Regarding amendments to the Wakf properties act, Mufti claimed they aim to dispossess Muslims as magistrates now have adjudication powers instead of courts. She also criticized the reduced Namaz break in the Assam Assembly, calling it a 'cheap act' to communalize the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)