Qazigund, Sep 26: DPAP president and former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday called for an investigation into the controversy involving Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), saying objections raised by two Election Commissioners cannot be ignored.Azad, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the commissioners had repeatedly objected to the process and questioned whether elections conducted after the deletion of names from electoral rolls should be considered valid.
“If two Election Commissioners themselves raise such concerns, an investigation should be initiated,” he said, adding that demands for fresh elections cannot be dismissed outright.
On the J&K Assembly’s resolution seeking restoration of statehood, Azad said he continues to stand by the position he had earlier taken in Parliament.
He also urged the Opposition to unite and raise the issue in Parliament.
Azad said India has long been respected globally for its free and fair elections, citing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s defeat in the 1977 polls as an example of democratic accountability.
He warned that questions being raised about the Election Commission could affect India’s democratic image internationally. (KNO)
