In a resounding chorus, political voices in Srinagar are advocating for the confluence of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir alongside the Lok Sabha polls. As the Election Commission embarked on a two-day consultative journey with stakeholders to assess readiness for the impending general elections, this call reverberated across party lines.
Leaders from various political spectrums, including the National Conference (NC), PDP, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and Aam Admi Party, seized the opportunity to articulate their stance during interactions with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and accompanying officials.
Nasir Aslam Wani, representing the National Conference, emphasized the imperative of reinstating democratic rights, dormant for a decade in the region. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured a prolonged deprivation of their democratic prerogatives,” stated Wani, underlining the necessity for concurrent polls. His sentiments echoed concerns about the potential economic disruption stemming from separate elections and resonated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘one nation, one election.’
Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura of the PDP mirrored this sentiment, articulating the desire for synchronizing assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, too, voiced its readiness for simultaneous polls, with R S Pathania labeling opposing parties as “frauds” perpetuating misinformation.
Amidst the fervent appeals, the Election Commission, while lending a patient ear, reserved its decision. However, assurances were sought regarding the impartiality and fairness of the electoral process, an issue underscored by apprehensions within the populace.
Beyond political rhetoric, logistical discussions ensued as the Election Commission delved into preparations with District Election Officers and law enforcement representatives. Evening engagements with Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole and nodal officers further fortified the groundwork for forthcoming polls.
The clamor for synchronicity in elections amplifiedanj against a backdrop of persistent demands from the region’s political stalwarts, including former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad. As the Election Commission navigates these entreaties, the landscape of Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral future hangs in a delicate balance, poised between tradition and transformation.
