PDP’s Srinagar Candidate, Waheed Para, Faces Charges for Poll Code Breach

PTK NEWS DESK

Srinagar, May 16: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Waheed Para, finds himself in hot water after being booked for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The violation allegedly occurred during a roadshow held without prior permission in Pulwama, South Kashmir, last month, according to officials on Thursday.

The Srinagar constituency witnessed a noteworthy 38 percent voter turnout during the polls on May 13, marking it as the second highest turnout in the past three decades. Para is one of the 24 candidates vying for the seat.

Officials revealed that an FIR was lodged against Para on May 8 under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code at the Pulwama police station, following a complaint by the nodal officer of MCC and the additional deputy commissioner of Pulwama.

The complaint alleges that Para conducted a roadshow in various areas of Pulwama on April 27, including Beighpora, Padgampora, Larkipora, Wankanpora, Goripora, Dangerpora, Jangalnad, Batapora, Dhawatoo, Khandaypora, and Panzgam, without obtaining permission from the relevant authorities.

Citing a report from the senior superintendent of police, the complainant stated that Para’s vehicle-bound rally, which traversed from the PDP office to Circular Road via Rajpora Chowk, Murran, and Peaks crossing, violated the MCC.

Despite requests from the Pulwama police station’s SHO and the duty magistrate, Para allegedly continued the rally, putting his own security and that of others at risk.

Furthermore, Para had previously been served a notice by the J&K election department earlier in the month, objecting to his statement urging youngsters to view the general elections as a “referendum.”

In his response on May 10, Para defended his remark, stating that his assertion that the “ensuing election is no less than a referendum” simply underscores the significance of the polls.