Pre-Results Rigging in IIOJK Elections: 5 BJP MLA’s Nominations by Lt. Governor

The authority of the India-installed Lieutenant Governor to nominate five members to the assembly of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has ignited fierce backlash. Political and legal experts are rightfully challenging its constitutionality.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti condemned these nominations, which would increase the assembly’s strength to 95, labeling them as “brazen pre-result rigging.” This move blatantly undermines democratic principles.

Senior advocate Mohinder Bhardwaj, also the Working President of Jammu and Kashmir Congress, called the nominations “grossly illegal and unconstitutional.” Such actions are a direct assault on the rights of the Kashmiri people.

Bhardwaj emphasized that these premature nominations will invite constitutional and judicial scrutiny. This kind of interference only serves to further alienate the already marginalized population of IIOJK.

Other legal experts are equally alarmed. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan stated that New Delhi should not interfere in the political process of occupied territories. Such actions diminish the legitimacy of elected governments.

This ongoing saga highlights a troubling disregard for democratic norms. By imposing such decisions, the Indian government sends a clear message: the voices of Kashmiris are secondary.

The nominations set a dangerous precedent. They indicate a willingness to manipulate the political landscape to maintain control, undermining any semblance of democracy in the region.

Kashmiris are left feeling disempowered and disillusioned. This undermining of local governance only fuels resentment and calls into question the legitimacy of Indian authority in the region.

The actions of the Lieutenant Governor deserve rigorous scrutiny. Political leaders and legal experts must hold the Indian government accountable for undermining the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people.

As these events unfold, the implications are significant. The ongoing interference from New Delhi may exacerbate tensions and lead to further instability in IIOJK.

The nominations made by the Lieutenant Governor are not just a legal concern; they represent an alarming trend of authoritarianism. The call for justice and democratic integrity in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir has never been more urgent.