KARACHI, Oct 15: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday accused the establishment of massive rigging in the Oct 10 elections, which he said was a conspiracy to deprive the people of Sindh of their rights.

Addressing general workers’ meeting at Nine-Zero from London via telephone, he dispelled the impression that the Muttahida had lost ground because it had given up its slogan and had embarked on a policy of amity and brotherhood among all sections of society in the province.

Lashing out at the religious parties and the rival Mohajir Qaumi Movement, Mr Hussain accused them of strong arm tactics and stuffing of ballot boxes with official patronage.

He said how those who raised the slogan of Nizam-i-Mustafa but got the victory through a foul play can implement the system they had vowed to establish.

Referring to historical gains of religious parties during the last 55 years, Mr Hussain asked how was it possible that impact of Afghan war had a bearing on the election results in the NWFP, Balochistan and Sindh but not in Punjab. “Does it mean that the people of Punjab do not love Islam?” Mr Hussain remarked.

He said the MQM would present unquestionable proof of rigging in the elections. He said due to non-recognition of the people’s mandate in 1970, the country was fragmented and warned that if owing to the massive rigging in the recent elections any harm came to the country, the establishment would be responsible.

The Muttahida chief also directed all officials of his party to investigate who were involved in extortion in the name of the party and added that if any member was found involved in it, he should be expelled forthwith.

Earlier, deputy convener Aftab Shaikh dilated upon the massive rigging and said it was unprecedented. He claimed that his party’s vote bank had not been eroded and said the Muttahida would soon present its case before the election commission and challenge the rigging by using all avenues of legal remedy.

He vowed to continue struggle against the oppressive feudal system and cautioned the party’s followers to be vigilant against any eventuality.