J-K municipal polls: Former NC leader Junaid Mattu casts vote

Former National Conference (NC) leader Junaid Mattu who resigned from the party over its decision to boycott the ongoing local body polls in the state, on Saturday, cast his vote.

Speaking to ANI, after casting his vote, Mattu said that there was no question of boycotting the election and every conscientious voter should vote and elect a local representative.

"This is my home ward and I have come to vote for the people today. It is the duty of every conscientious voter to vote in the local body elections. I hope people vote and choose a local representative leadership," he said.

Refuting reports of joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after parting ways with the NC, Mattu said that he is contesting as an independent candidate and not as a proxy of anyone.

"I am contesting as an Independent candidate and not as a proxy of anyone. The politics of this state, perhaps, might see some change. I am not joining the BJP. All of you are aware of my convictions, but, I think it is high time for certain people to get rid of the moral high horse," Mattu added.

The polling for the third phase of municipal elections is underway in Jammu division today. A total of 242 candidates including 84 female are in the fray for 56 wards. With today polling, urban local body elections will be completed in ten districts of Jammu Division.

The elections for the fourth and final phase will be held tomorrow. The counting will take place on October 20.