National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah called upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take steps towards restoring democracy in Jammu and Kashmir by announcing dates for both Parliament and assembly polls in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah expressed disappointment with the prolonged absence of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “We have no expectations from the Election Commission. The EC should play its role as part of its mission of maintaining democracy. It has been 10 years that J-K has not seen an assembly election.”
Referring to the submission of a report by the former President Ram Nath Kovind-led committee on ‘one nation one election’, Abdullah emphasized the importance of starting the policy from Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “The former president has submitted a report on ‘one nation, one election’. What can we hope for from them: drum-beating ‘one nation one election’ if you do not start from J-K. Is it to fool the people? There have to be elections in J-K and it is a golden opportunity. Let them restore democracy fully here and announce the dates of both Parliament as well as assembly elections.”
Responding to queries about the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and its internal discussions, Abdullah redirected the questions to the alliance’s office bearers. “If there is (a meeting), you ask (alliance president) Farooq Abdullah. I am not an office bearer in the PAGD, I belong to NC. Ask those who hold an office in the PAGD,” he clarified.
On the matter of announcing candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Abdullah remarked, “Whenever we wish to.” This statement suggests that the National Conference will announce its candidates at its discretion.
