J&K BJP asks Election Commission to de-recognise parties boycotting polls

Bhartiya Janta Party on Saturday asked the Election Commission to de-recognise and withdraw poll symbols of political parties boycotting urban local body and panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP state spokesperson (retd) Brig. Anil Gupta said, “The BJP urges state chief electoral officer to de-recognise those political parties which have announced (their decision to) boycott ULB and panchayat polls.”

National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Bahujan Samaj Party announced that they will boycott the elections. The NC and the PDP have boycotted the polls citing issues over Article 35(A), which grants special rights and privileges to the permanent residents of the state.

Anil Gupta said that these are state and national level recognised political parties with reserved election symbols.  “By not participating in the election process these parties have violated the provisions of Section 29A [5] and 29A [7] of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Election Symbol Order, 1968. Thus, they are liable to be de-recognised and their election symbols frozen. A precedence exists wherein the Election Commission of India has in the past derecognized a few parties.’’

Mr. Gupta, pointing out that parties are supressing democratic process, mentioned that, “Elections are the core of the democratic process and afford people an opportunity to express their will. By boycotting the elections, these political parties have not only betrayed the people of the state but also disrespected the Constitution which they had pledged to safeguard while applying for recognition of their respective political parties.”

“Suppression of the democratic process by these parties also amounts to gross violation of human rights. The chief electoral officer needs to immediately take up the issue with the Election Commission of India.”

Abha Boyal

Abha has taste of years in journalism and writing. She is known to elaborate her findings in a vibrant way. With writing as her incredible skill, Abha also enjoys exploring new places. She stays focused on whatever she does and this makes her an all rounder.

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