ADR denies filing false affidavit in SC, says document tendered in response to query
New Delhi (PTI): Poll rights body Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) denied allegations on Saturday that it filed a false affidavit in the Supreme Court, clarifying that the document in question was never formally submitted but merely "tendered across the bar" in response to a query from the bench.
The clarification came a day after media reports cited comments made by the Election Commission's (EC) lawyer during an apex court hearing, suggesting that the affidavit contained inaccuracies and that the voter mentioned did not exist in the electoral roll.
In a detailed statement, ADR said it "stands by its values of accurate dissemination of information" and rejected the EC counsel's assertion as "incorrect and misleading".
"All the above facts are correct, as can be checked on the ECI website. Thus, the assertion by ECI counsel that the said voter does not exist or that the EPIC belongs to some other individual is incorrect and misleading. In fact, ECI could have and would have easily checked these details through his EPIC number; instead, they asserted that he was a fake voter or that the address did not belong to him," the statement said.
The NGO said all voter details provided in the affidavit could be verified on the EC's website.
It also explained that the voter's name had appeared in the "Draft Roll-2025" published on the EC's website in January.
"It is to be noted that both the 'Draft Roll-2025' and the 'SIR Draft 2025' have been published by the ECI on the same web link and same drop-down menu," the organisation said, sharing screenshots of the relevant entries.
The non-profit further expressed concern over reports that the elector in question was "hounded, summoned and threatened" by officials following the Supreme Court hearing on October 7.
"This will further create more distrust, fear and reluctance on the part of electors to come forward in case of their deletion from the electoral rolls," it warned.
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
