SRINAGAR: People’s Conference (PC) Chairman and Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency candidate, Sajad Gani Lone, received an Election Commission of India (ECI) notice for an alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The notice was issued due to a video posted on his Twitter account. In response, Sajad Gani Lone clarified that the video was not an official song of the J&K Peoples Conference but a creation by young Kashmiri artists expressing local sentiments.
He argued that sharing such a song, showcasing creativity and talent, should not be considered a breach of electoral norms. Lone highlighted the alleged bias in monitoring, citing instances where opponents made provocative statements without repercussions.
Regarding the alleged bias in monitoring, Lone added, “If sharing a song construes as a violation of the MCC, then how does the ECI allow our opponents to make frivolous accusations which can put my and my party workers’ lives at risk. This selective monitoring depicts bias on the part of Election Authority towards our Party.”
Lone further criticized the Election Commission’s selective scrutiny, pointing out disparities in the treatment of political parties.
“There is a need for fairness and equality in the electoral process,” he said. Lone cited an example of bias, stating, “When Omar Abdullah, a Z-plus protected person, addressed public rallies and road shows in Kupwara, the local administration facilitated by sealing off those roads for public movement however when I hold public programs of such kind, no such facilitation is seen from the administration even though I am also a Z-plus protected person.”
The Election Commission must apply the rules uniformly and desist from selective scrutiny and that fairness and equality are indispensable in preserving the integrity of the electoral process
Calling for a level playing field for all parties, Lone urged uniform application of rules and guidelines.
He requested permission from the District Election Officer and Chairman District MCMC Kupwara to use the song in question, ensuring compliance with regulations until formal approval is granted.
