PDP questions EC decision to rescind by-poll notification

The PDP today questioned the Election Commission's decision to rescind its notification to conduct bye-poll for Hazratbal Assembly constituency saying instead of taking action against the National Conference nominee for submitting 'improper' papers, the commission punished other contestants.

"While we welcome the intervention of the Election Commission in the instant case, instead of disqualifying the NC candidate for his fault it has punished other contestants by rescinding notification for the bye-poll," PDP President Mehbooba Mufti told reporters at a hurriedly convened press conference here today.

Rescinding its notification for conduct of bye-poll for the constituency due to 'improper' acceptance of nomination papers of one of the candidates by the Returning Officer (RO), the EC yesterday said, "the RO was not aware of the basic provisions of the J&K Constitution, J&K Representation of People's Act and J&K Conduct of Election Rules and he accepted the nomination in total violation of law and Supreme Court's dictum."

She alleged that the ruling party had pressurised the returning officer to accept the papers of its candidate Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal, who is the younger brother of NC President Farooq Abdullah.