Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 26: Accusing the BJP of using Civil and Police Administration to promote their political interests in the on-going ULB elections in the State, former Minister and NPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh made a fervent appeal to the Governor to ensure free and fair elections in the J&K State by checking the blatant politicization of bureaucracy.
Addressing a press conference Harsh Dev regretted that despite open politicking by some reckless officers and use of Government by their blue eyed candidates, no cognizance was being taken by the helmsmen. He said that not only the abuse of Govt machinery but the said officers were using their position and authority to browbeat the opposition parties and quell their voice.
Regretting the non-initiation of any action or even probe against such overzealous officers acting as political sycophants, Singh urged upon the Governor to order a discrete enquiry into their conduct in the interests of justice and fair play. He said that he has made written complaints against a few of such officers to the Election Commission of India and the State Governor which needed to be thoroughly investigated and appropriate follow up action taken. He said that such officers had indicated their contempt for opposition particularly the Panthers Party and even made statements in the media against NPP which needed immediate attention of helmsmen and the Election authority.
“Ensure transparent and clean elections in J&K. Free and fair polls of local bodies including Municipal and Panchayats can greatly help in retrieving the otherwise deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Do not encourage the officers acting on partisan lines as it could prove counterproductive. The opportunity needs to be used to win over the confidence of the people at grass root level through a fair and transparent electoral system”, Harsh Dev said.
While appealing the Governor to evolve a proper surveillance mechanism to oversee the conduct of the said elections, Mr Singh said that fair and impartial elections could become the harbinger of peace in the state and set new trends in the political landscape of the state.