PDP candidate from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency Waheed Para has been booked for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), reported PTI. The candidate toured Pulwama in south Kashmir in April, violating the electoral code, officials said Thursday.
Srinagar constituency went to polls on May 13 and recorded a voter turnout of around 38 per cent, the second highest in the last three decades. Para is among the 24 candidates in the race for the seat.
According to officials, an FIR was registered against Para under section 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code on May 8 at the Pulwama police station on the complaint lodged by the nodal officer, MCC and additional deputy commissioner, Pulwama. .
The PDP leader is accused of conducting a tour in Beighpora, Padgampora, Larkipora, Wankanpora, Goripora, Dangerpora, Jangalnad, Batapora, Dhawatoo, Khandaypora and Panzgam areas in Pulwama on April 27, without any permission from the concerned authorities.
Citing a report by the senior superintendent of police, the complainant said the parade in Para vehicles from the PDP office to the circular road through Rajpora Chowk, Murran and Peaks junction was in violation of the MCC.
The candidate violated the MCC despite the requests of the SHO (station house officer) of Pulwama police station and the magistrate on duty, thereby endangering his safety and that of others, the complainant said, adding that the late response of the PDP district chairman on the rape was not satisfactory.
Earlier this month, a notice from J&K’s election department was sent to ParĂ¡ objecting to its statement asking youth to consider the general election as a “referendum”.
However, the PDP leader defended his comment, in his May 10 response, saying that his claim that “the upcoming elections are nothing less than a referendum” only points to the importance of the vote.
(With input from PTI)