Avinash Azad
In a heated political standoff ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Choudhary Javed Iqbal, the contesting National Conference (NC) candidate from the Budhal constituency and former Chairperson of the Block Development Council (BDC) Kotranka, has levelled serious allegations against the district administration of Rajouri.
Iqbal accuses local authorities of harassing his supporters and leaders, claiming that their actions are meant to favor the BJP candidate, Zulfkar Choudhary.
In a bold move, Iqbal surrendered his security cover, rejecting what he calls the “biased system” in place for contesting candidates. He alleges that his supporters are facing “police wrath” for backing his campaign, citing specific instances where key leaders’ security was withdrawn.
Among those affected is Baji Aslam, a senior religious leader who resides in a terrorism-affected region. According to Iqbal, Aslam was coerced into supporting the BJP candidate in exchange for reinstating his security cover.
Police Harassment Rampant
Iqbal claims that the district administration has been using police and government officials to intimidate his supporters. “The police have been directed to harass anyone who supports me. Whether it’s drivers, shopkeepers, religious leaders, or common citizens, they are being told to side with the BJP or face consequences,” he alleged. According to Iqbal, these individuals are being pressured into seeking “asylum” by pledging their votes to the BJP candidate.
New Delhi’s Hand?
Iqbal further stated that when he confronted local authorities about the harassment, they deflected responsibility, claiming that orders were coming directly from “New Delhi”. “This is no longer just a local issue, New Delhi is involved,” he remarked, highlighting the national implications of his allegations.
Election Integrity in Question
The NC candidate raised concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, questioning whether the upcoming elections will truly be free and fair. “Despite assurances from the Election Commission of India (ECI), there is no level playing field. It seems that only those aligned with the BJP are enjoying privileges, while other candidates face constant hurdles,” he alleged. According to Iqbal, the district administration has even gone so far as to organize public rallies for BJP leaders.
Administration Silent
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the district administration has yet to respond to these charges. Choudhary Javed Iqbal’s accusations not only cast a shadow over the local authorities but also challenge the fairness of the democratic process in the Budhal constituency.
As the political drama unfolds, the silence from the administration raises more questions than answers. If these claims are proven true, they point to a “deepening political bias” within the Rajouri district’s governance, further complicating an already contentious election landscape. For now, Budhal’s political future hangs in the balance, with the actions of the administration under increasing scrutiny.
