Srinagar, Sept 17, KNT: Ahead of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) elections, a contesting candidate for the Executive Committee has raised strong objections over what he described as the inclusion of ineligible members in the voting process. In a formal representation to the Election Commission of KCCI, he has urged immediate corrective measures to uphold the transparency and credibility of the chamber’s polls.
Citing provisions of the KCCI Constitution and membership rules, the candidate argued that only active members fulfilling mandatory criteria are entitled to voting rights. He alleged that a number of individuals being considered for participation do not meet these basic requirements, which include maintaining a registered office, at least two years of valid business operations, a functional bank account in the business’s name, and compliance with tax obligations such as Income Tax Returns and GST registration where applicable.
The candidate further expressed concern that membership fee deposits of nearly 200 individuals, most of whom, he claimed, are ineligible, were made by incumbent office bearers in a bid to secure electoral advantage. To ensure transparency, he requested that the Election Commission publicly disclose the number of members who paid fees in cash and those who deposited via bank transfer or cheque.
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“This is not about individuals but about safeguarding the integrity of the institution. The credibility of KCCI depends on adherence to its own rules and constitution. Granting voting rights to non-compliant members undermines fairness,” he said in the communication.
The objection letter stressed that only members fulfilling all constitutional requirements and paying dues through the prescribed procedure should be allowed to cast their vote. The candidate described his appeal as being in good faith and in the larger interest of maintaining the legality and credibility of the electoral process.
The KCCI, one of the Valley’s oldest and most influential trade bodies, is currently preparing for elections to its Executive Committee, which plays a pivotal role in shaping policy advocacy, business representation, and economic initiatives. Allegations of procedural lapses in elections are not new, and calls for transparency have often accompanied the chamber’s electoral exercises. [KNT]
