BJP seeks disqualification of NC candidate Akbar Lone from contesting LS poll

BJP state unit spokesman Altaf Thakur on Monday launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) candidate from Baramulla parliamentary constituency Muhammad Akbar Lone for raising pro-Pakistan slogan.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state, he sought the disqualification of Lone stating that he had resorted to "ultimate disrespect" by raising pro-Pakistan slogans. He said that his comments have also "has hurt the sentiments of people of not only Jammu and Kashmir but of the entire India."

Thakur also requested the CEO to take a serious note of the matter to maintain peace and harmony in the state and disqualify him from contesting the poll from Baramulla on the basis of videos available on social media.

While addressing a rally in Kupwara on Monday, Lone had said that he will abuse those who hurl abuses at Pakistan.

"The other side of this is a Muslim country. It should remain prosperous and successful. Our friendship with them should intensify. India and Pakistan should have a friendship with each other and I am an admirer of this friendship. If anyone will abuse them once, I will abuse him ten times from here," he had said.

In February last year, Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a ruckus with Lone raising pro-Pakistan slogans in response to BJP's slogans against the neighbouring country.

In December 2017, Lone had courted controversy by claiming that the BJP and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) leaders eat beef and pork together.