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| Don’t run away from polls | | | | For past few days there has been much of debate in timing of holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Elections are due to be held in the state by October-November this year could have been held even earlier than that as assembly already stands dissolved since July 10. Normally by this time a fully charged political activity and campaigning was expected but the turmoil of past nearly three months –first in Kashmir, then in Jammu and then again in Kashmir –eroded the scope of normal politics. Now when the dust in Jammu has settled down and multi-pronged efforts are effort to bring Kashmir to normalcy, the talk of elections resuming the center-stage was quite due. The main political parties and key stake holders have been giving divergent views on the timing of elections. Nothing could be concluded at a meeting convened by the Election Commission of India in New Delhi Monday. Except Bhartya Janta Party and the Peoples Democratic Party no other party could give a clear stand on the issue. BJP has strongly favoured holding elections in time while the PDP feels that the situation is not conducive. Congress has put it to the Election Commission to decide and the National Conference still maintains a double opinion on the issue. The Panthers Party, which was expected to favour timely elections, has fresh delimitation of assembly constituencies as condition. Delimitation of constituencies is the most popular demand in Jammu and region and it should be held to address the regional aspirations. However, this should not come in the way of holding elections. The Panthers Party should review its stand and ask for holding elections in time. It appears that most of the parties are in favour of putting the elections off till early next year. This should be considered in a worst case scenario. The apprehensions of all those who have suggesting postponement of elections are understandable but it must be understood that leaders are those who master the art of converting challenges into opportunities. The only obstacle in holding elections in time is the unpleasant situation in Kashmir Valley. There is a resurgence and consolidation of the separatist sentiment which may lead to a low poll percentage and eventually an embarrassing situation. But they must also understand that skipping elections would mean leaving the field wide open for further resurgence and consolidation of the separatist sentiment. This can countered only with an aggressive mainstream politics and a competitive electioneering. When the mainstream political parties plunge into poll fray and pull their cadres this will certainly help in neutralizing the separatist wave. The political parties should rise above their petty interests and show the necessary courage to face elections when they are due. |
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