Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 12: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are calling for simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, emphasizing their demand during discussions with the Election Commission of India (ECI) team, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, in Srinagar on Tuesday.
National Conference Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani questioned the delay in holding Assembly elections, asserting that if conditions permit Lok Sabha polls, there's no reason to postpone Assembly elections in J&K.
Wani, along with other National Conference leaders, conveyed this message during their meeting with the ECI team at SKICC Srinagar.
Similarly, a delegation from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), led by General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Hanjura, urged the ECI for concurrent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in J&K, highlighting the desire of the people to have their own government.
Adding to the chorus, a CPIM delegation also stressed the need for simultaneous Assembly elections during their interaction with ECI members.
Following these discussions, the ECI team commenced a comprehensive review of election preparedness with District Election Officers and police superintendents. They will further engage with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole and state police nodal officers later today, with similar engagements planned for tomorrow in Jammu.
The demand for simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in J&K has gained momentum across various political parties. National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah recently joined this call, emphasizing the injustice of postponing Assembly elections while Lok Sabha polls proceed.
Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected government since June 2018, following the dissolution of the legislative assembly and subsequent imposition of President's Rule. The region's political landscape underwent significant changes, culminating in the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories in August 2019. |
