Ram Madhav on low turnout: Many MPs were too elected with less votes  

Srinagar, Oct 24: Reacting to criticism by political parties over low voter turnout in the recently-held municipal polls, National General Secretary of BJP, Ram Madhav, on Wednesday said even many political leaders were elected as Members of Parliament with less votes.

While felicitating the winning candidates of the party at a function here, Madhav accused the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being “equally responsible” for the low voting percentage in Urban Local Bodies elections.

“Attempts were made by these regional parties and a pressure was exerted for not holding municipal polls, but the authorities went ahead with election. Both the parties have been taught a lesson now,” he said.

“These parties are a classic example of family rule and they don’t want leadership at grass root level” he said.

The BJP’s National General Secretary regretted for the low voting turnout but hoped to see greater participation in upcoming Panchayat polls.

“People didn’t come to vote due to the fear psychosis for which both these parties are also responsible,” he said,

Madhav claimed that both the major regional parties had fielded their proxy candidates in Municipal polls.

“Those who boycotted polls came via backdoor by fielding their proxy candidates. Still I congratulate them for their participation in polls,” he said.

Madhav said that the Prime Ministers Narendra Modi was “pleased to see party’s performance in Municipal polls.”

“Prime Minister was very happy when I told him that our party scored a century in Kashmir.  I congratulate our leader who showed courage and made possible for the party to win 106 seats. Victory in Kashmir is very important for our party,” he said.

BJP’s National General Secretary said that they would introduce the three-tier Panchayat system in Jammu and Kashmir as well.“Every Panchayat will get funds from Rs20-80 crore and we want the fund flow directly to the elected Panchs and Sarpanchs. Though the elections are contested on non-party basis, we have to ensure that good candidates come up to usher in development at grass root level,” he said.