Former Nazim Union Council No 07, Millat Nagar Saddar Town and candidate for the same slot Babu Abdul Karim on Thursday boycotted Local Bodies polls in his constituency, alleging that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) backed Haq Parast group had resorted to unprecedented rigging and hooliganism.
Addressing a hurriedly-called press conference at Karachi Press Club (KPC) along with candidate for Naib Nazim Saleem Khan Bandhani and other members of his group, he further charged that supporters, voters and polling agents of his group were harassed by armed activists of Muttahida in the presence of Army, Rangers and Police.
"Despite presence of Rangers and police outside polling stations, armed activists of Muttahida are roaming inside polling stations, booths and harassing opponents" he said adding that children ageing 10-12 years were casting votes without any restriction under patronage of armed Muttahida activists.
Babu Abdul Karim, who is contesting local bodies polls from the platform of Elaqai Ittehad, demanded re-election in the constituency and said they may also approach court against the rigging and hooliganism by the Haq Parast group.
He disclosed that two of his group's female candidates' had to withdrew their nominations after their homes were fired upon by armed activists of Muttahida while many of his supporters were beaten up by the terrorists' group.
"When they claim of having people's support why they are resorting to illegal activities, hooliganism and rigging" he questioned. He also criticised Election Commission of Pakistan for taking inadequate security measures for the protection of candidates and voters and demanded declaring election in the UC-7 of Saddar Town null and void and re-election.