National Conference candidate stokes controversy, calls boycott of polls 'democratic'

SRINAGAR: National Conference candidate from Baramulla assembly constituency Ghulam Hassan Rahi has stoked a controversy by saying the calls for boycott of elections in the state is part of a "democratic" process.

"This is a democracy. Those calling for boycott also have their role," he said when asked to comment about the posters of various militant outfits appearing in some parts of Baramulla district calling for election boycott.

However, he indicated that pasting of posters could also be a handiwork of political parties in his constituency to scare away the voters who were supporting the ruling National Conference.

"I cannot blame the Mujahideen (militants)," Rahi said. Asked if it was a ploy of political parties to issue such posters, he said, "You know it better than me."