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Assembly polls and political parties Governor's Rule imminent 10/4/2014 10:57:28 PM Rustam JAMMU, Oct 4: There are four major political players in Jammu and Kashmir who want to capture the state power in the coming Assembly elections. These are the ruling National Conference (NC) and its alliance partner Congress, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP). There are three other smaller players, two in Jammu and one in Kashmir. They are the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Jammu and the People's Conference (PC) in Kashmir. Of the seven political parties, two each have demanded and opposed elections on due dates. The Congress and the BSP have urged the Election Commission to not delay elections in Jammu and Kashmir. They want new Government to be in place on or before January 5, 2015. Omar Abdullah will complete his six years' term in office on January 4 next year. It means he has just three months at his disposal as Chief Minister. People want his regime to go lock, stock and barrel and the reasons are obvious. The two parties which have not really favoured elections on due dates are the JKNPP and the BJP. The BJP has described the demand seeking polls on due dates as a "cruel joke", saying that the worst-ever natural calamity has disturbed everything. At the same time, however, the BJP has put the ball in the court of the Election Commission. If one reads between the lines, the BJP has virtually said no to the Assembly polls at this point in time. There is logic in the stand of the BJP. The BJP would be pleased if elections take place under the Governor's rule. Interestingly, the JKNPP, which doesn't miss any opportunity to take on the BJP, has openly demanded imposition of Governor's Rule and said the Assembly polls should be held under the Governor's Rule. The JKNPP chief patron Bhim Singh maintains very good relations with Governor NN Vohra, but his problem is that Vohra is known for his pro-Kashmir views. Vohra, according to sources in the Raj Bhavan, has not forgotten the 2008 Amarnath Land agitation in Jammu, which was directed both against him, against the Congress and against the Congress-led UPA Government as well as Kashmiri separatists. However, it is a fact that the JKNPP's role during the movement was not that pro-active and that's the reason Governor Vohra and Bhim Singh enjoy cordial relations. But Kashmir and Kashmiri people are different things and Bhim Singh and Co hardly fits in those Kashmiri things. The two parties which have not said anything about the Assembly elections are the PDP and the PC. They are, it appears, focusing on the flood-affected people in the Kashmir valley, especially Srinagar City. That the leadership of these two parties till date has not come out with a clear cut stand on the Assembly polls despite reports that the Election Commission has deputed a senior functionary to the state to assess the situation and get feedback from those looking after civil administration and various political parties and that the said functionary would be on the job on October 7 does suggest that their first priority is relief and rehabilitation. It's quite understandable. As for the ruling NC, its leadership, as per credible sources, "wants the elections to be postponed by a few months but with the condition that the Omar Abdullah should be allowed to lead the state till the formation of new Government". It is an untenable and unconstitutional suggestion and no sane constitutional functionary in New Delhi would ever endorse this canny suggestion. So, it is almost clear that the majority view in the state is against holding Assembly elections on due dates. It would be only appropriate if the Election Commission takes due cognizance of this rational view and announces that the present is not the appropriate time for any electoral exercise. Such a response on its part would necessitate imposition of the Governor Rule, which is the best option available considering the prevailing situation in certain parts of the Valley and many areas in Jammu province.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

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