Jamaat trashes talk of BJP ties

Srinagar: Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) general secretary Ghulam Qadir Lone rejected Tuesday claims of links with BJP in the wake of such allegations after seven Independents backed by the banned outfit filed to contest the J&K assembly polls from Sept 18 to Oct 1.“I have never said I am happy to win or lose against BJP,” Lone said, stressing he had no “interest in victory or defeat” against the saffron party. The statement follows accusations from ex-CMs Omar Abdullah of National Conference (NC) and Mehbooba Mufti of PDP that the JeI-backed candidates are “sponsored” by BJP.Lone also explained his stance on participating in elections, clarifying that JeI had refrained from contesting for a long time due to concerns of electoral fraud. “In all interviews I’ve given, I made it clear we wouldn’t participate until we were assured there would be no fraud,” Lone said.According to him, the decision to back Independents this time was taken after “guarantees of fairness were received”. “In the parliamentary elections (this summer), it was proven that there was no fraud. After that, we decided to participate,” Lone said. He rejected claims by “some people” that JeI did not have any support.Meanwhile, Kaleemullah, the JeI-backed candidate in Kupwara’s Langate seat, called for “peaceful and respectful” elections, urging all candidates and supporters to maintain dignity and accept the Oct 8 results, “whatever they may be”.

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Jamaat trashes talk of BJP ties

Jamaat-e-Islami's Ghulam Qadir Lone has refuted allegations of connections with BJP after accusations from former CMs Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. Lone explained that JeI decided to support Independent candidates in the J&K assembly polls only after receiving assurances of fair elections. He emphasized the need for respectful and peaceful electoral conduct.

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