Sofi Anayat

Baramulla Feb 8 (KNS): District Devlopment council members  of People’s Democratic Party, National Conference,Congress and Independent candidate from North Kashmir’s Baramulla District today abstained from voting for DDC chairman and vice chairman citing rumors of Horse trading.

Talking to Kashmir News Service, Congress senior leader and former Minister Taj Mohidin said, “we abstained from voting today as rumors of horse trading was doing rounds and some of our members are outstation.”

Terming Horse trading menance for society Mohiuddin said, "choosing DDC Chairman and Vice chairman through secret ballot is not proper way for election as it paves way for horse trading"
“When we chose MLC, we used to vote for the party and there could be no horse trading.Why secret ballot here? Are we going to choose Prime Minister?,  Mohiuddin questioned.

He also said that there is no secret ballot in any legislature and the DDC elections don't come under anti defection law as well and added that does Govt. of  india want that people should contest election from one party and then switch to another party?.

 There is need of to make some reforms in law which governs DDC elections to discourage horse trading,he added.

On being asked whether he is against secret Ballot or horse trading, Mohiuddin said, "I am against horse trading as horse trading is only possible when there is secret Ballot process".(KNS)