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The article revolves around the rejection of Sarjan Barkati's nomination for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Barkati, a jailed cleric known for his role in the 2016 protests following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, had filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate from Shopian's Zainapora assembly constituency. His daughter, Sugraa, had submitted the papers on his behalf. However, the Election Commission rejected his nomination papers, citing his failure to produce an oath certificate, a mandatory requirement under the J&K Reorganization Act 2019.
The Election Commission's statement detailed that Barkati, being under detention in Central Jail Srinagar, was required to submit a duly signed oath certificate from the Jail Superintendent. This certificate was to be submitted by 11 am on the day of scrutiny. However, Barkati's representatives failed to meet the deadline, instead submitting an incomplete and invalid certificate via WhatsApp. The commission deemed this method of submission unacceptable. The news of the rejection sparked reactions from various political figures, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference president Sajad Lone.
Mufti demanded that the Election Commission make public the reasons for the rejection, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation for everyone. Similarly, Lone condemned the move, highlighting the hardships faced by Barkati and his family due to their incarceration. Both leaders questioned the fairness of the process and the potential for undue influence in the decision-making. While Barkati's supporters blamed the rival National Conference candidate Showkat Ahmad Ganai for influencing the rejection, the Election Commission maintained its stance on the lack of proper documentation and procedural compliance.
The incident highlights the complexities of the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, where the conduct of elections is intricately intertwined with ongoing security concerns and political tensions. The rejection of Barkati's nomination underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to the legal framework in the electoral process. The controversy raises questions about the accessibility of elections for those facing legal constraints and the potential for political maneuvering within the system. Ultimately, the incident adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming assembly elections, with implications for the political landscape in the region.