Jammu, November 23: Former BJP MLC Ajay Bharti today alleged that denying displaced community the right to represent or get represented by persons of its choice continues in jammu and Kashmir UT due to the Repeated negligence and callousness of state election commission
Addressing a press conference, Bharti said that difficulties & impediments confronted by community electors arise from slackness, insensitivity and laxity of Election Authority responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral Rolls and conduct of fair, fearless and transparent election.
Chand Ji Bhat, president BJP displaced district Kashmir, Rajeev Pandita spokesperson BJP displaced district Kashmir, Vimal Raina election incharge DDC BJP KDD ,H K Razdhan and Sanjay Bhat general secretary BJP Kashmir displaced district were also present in the press conference.
“The community has been fighting for its right to participate meaningfully in democratic exercise ever since the first election after the 1990-Mass Exodus was held in 1996.
Community represented its case highlighting lacunas and level of manipulation possible under a complicated mechanism”, Bharti said.
He said that Election Commission was convinced and gradual improvements, though insufficient, were introduced that allowed in-person voting for the Displaced Community designated as ‘Notified Voters’. Improving upon the scheme further measures to issue EPICs was also introduced. “Regrettably in this DDC election instead of proceeding further on the promised simplification process, the Community has been pushed back to square one. It seems that the 1996 scheme has been cut and pasted as notice for the present election ignoring all subsequent developments on this front”, he said.
BJP leader said that it is essential to understand the major lapses that have happened and requires immediate redressal.
1. This being the first ever DDC election no adequate publicity was given about the Electoral College and other aspects of election.
2. Electoral Rolls, a pre-requisite for any elections are not available at notified centres.
3. Electoral Rolls continue to be in Urdu only & not in English as was the assurance.
4. No co-ordination with the Relief & Rehabilitation Department that plays a frontal role in elections as far as Displaced Community is concerned.
5. Time available for voters not any contesting candidate to submit an application for postal ballot is incredibly short. It is the same as is the last date for filing nomination papers.
6. Camp commanders/Zonal officers refuse to attest DMPB form insisting on presentation of every member of the family not required previously.
Keeping inconsideration these facts we demand:
1. Extend the date of submission of DMPB forms to 10th of December 2020
2. Instruct Camp commanders/Zonal officers not to insist on the presence of the entire family.
3. Enhance manpower & facility for voter identification in absence of Electoral rolls.
4. Advise staff in Kashmir valley to respect voter lists attested by authorities in Jammu.
5. Take issuance of EPICs at war footing to remain prepared for the next elections.
