In a recent development, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and the President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has been implicated for allegedly disregarding the Model Code of Conduct. Mufti responded to the FIR filed against her with a notable proverb, likening the situation to “the pot calling the kettle black.”
Expressing her thoughts on X, previously known as Twitter, Mufti remarked, “It is quite intriguing to see an FIR lodged against me for purportedly flouting the MCC. This occurrence exemplifies the consequences PDP faces for vocalizing truth against authority. Our dissent was directed towards the Government of India collaborating with local authorities to detain numerous PDP polling agents and workers prior to the voting period.”
She elaborated, “Not content with their actions, the same authorities proceeded to initiate Cordon and Search Operations in areas traditionally supportive of the PDP, aiming to intimidate our voters and obstruct their right to vote. This situation truly mirrors ‘the pot calling the kettle black.'”
Mufti also appended a copy of the FIR to her post, revealing that it cited PDP workers obstructing the main thoroughfare and staging a protest for over an hour, constituting a breach of section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The complaint, directed to the Assistant Returning Officer in Srigufwara Bijbehara, detailed the events leading to the filing of the complaint against Mufti for violating the Model Code of Conduct. It recounted a gathering of PDP workers, led by Mufti, in Bijbehara town on May 25, 2024, where slogans were raised demanding the release of detained PDP workers, resulting in a blatant violation of the MCC. Additionally, the complaint highlighted the blocking of the main road and the prolonged protest, both in contravention of section 144 of the CrPC.
Furthermore, it referenced the imposition of section 144 of the CrPC in the parliamentary 3-Anantnag-Rajouri Constituency, prohibiting gatherings of more than four individuals during the MCC period until June 4. Consequently, the complaint urged the initiation of necessary actions against Mufti and her identified associates by the relevant authorities.
The complaint outlined that Mufti had been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, at the Bijbehara police station.
On May 25, Mufti, contesting from the Anantnag–Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, alleged unwarranted detention of her party workers and polling agents by the police. She further claimed receiving reports of attempts to manipulate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Additionally, she highlighted the suspension of outgoing calls from her mobile number without explanation. However, the Anantnag Police clarified that detentions were minimal and targeted only individuals deemed potential threats to law and order.
Mufti’s daughter and advisor, Iltija Mufti, attributed the protest to the detention of party workers, indicating a series of events leading up to the polling day.
She recounted, “On the night preceding May 24, we began receiving distress calls from our party members in Anantnag and Kulgam who were apprehended by the police. This occurred approximately 10-12 hours before polling commenced.”
Iltija Mufti alleged that the Army initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in PDP strongholds on May 24, aimed at instilling fear and discouraging voter turnout.
Accusing the central government and local authorities of orchestrating efforts to suppress voter participation to the detriment of Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP, Iltija Mufti strongly denounced the characterization of detained party workers as “Over Ground Workers (OGWs).”
Mufti condemned the FIR as an act of intimidation, asserting, “We received no acknowledgment from the administration. This FIR is an intimidation tactic, and we refuse to succumb to it.”
