BJP appeals EC for fair by-polls in Poonch

Jammu, Dec 7 (UNI) Suspecting rigging in the forthcoming Poonch by-polls, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) today appealed to the Election Commission of India to hold free and fair elections scheduled for December 12 in bordering Poonch constituency of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing mediapersons here, the BJP state president Ashok Khajuria alleged that rigging is expected by the Congress party in the by-elections as the ruling party in the state had practically occupied all the Dak bungalows and government accommodations located in the constituency and converted them into party election offices.

''The Election Commission of India must take serious note of Congress working and an order should be passed by the state government not to use official machinery during election process,'' Mr Khajuria said.

However, the BJP President said not only the Election Commission ensure a free and fair poll by reining in the undemocratic elements in the government but the state Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad should personally intervene and see to the smooth functioning during by-elections.

UNI