Srinagar, Feb 08 (KNO): Demanding "re-polling" for DDC seat in 08-Larnoo, dozens of residents from Kokernag's Anantnag district Monday staged a protest against what they termed "mockery" of the democratic process.
The aggrieved residents sought re-polling in Larnoo block, in the wake of alleged "favour" to a particular candidate who was declared winner after "recounting" of votes was notified by District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO).
According to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), shouting slogans like a wake up LG, wake up CEO, dozens of Larnoo residents holding placards in their hand read “don’t repeat history, don’t change votes with notes” gathered at Press Enclave in Srinagar and staged a protest demanding re-polling.
Protesters alleged that recounting of votes, month after the election for seat 8-Larnoo was aimed at to clear decks for a particular candidate who they said filed an appeal for recounting before the appellate authority.
PAGD candidate, Khalida Bibi was earlier declared as winner on DDC Larnoo seat by a margin of seven votes. However her nearest rival Sajida Bano trounced her when recounting was conducted on 5th of this month.
“We have gathered here to appeal Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Election Officer to issue an order for re-polling in DDC block Larnoo. We are Indian’s and believe in democracy, but the way a particular candidate was declared winner was something astonishing,” Subhan Rather a protester said.
He said the authorities should either notify re-polling or accept the PAGD candidate, Khalida Bibi as the winner on seat 8-Larnoo.
Ali Mohammad Mir, another protester said the authorities after failing to find any ambiguity in elections, ordered recounting of votes.
“Our candidate has the overwhelming support of people and that’s what made her win DDC elections if the authorities could notify recounting, what’s wrong in holding fresh elections,” he said—(KNO)