Omar Abdullah Criticizes Government’s Delay in J&K Assembly Polls

PTK News Desk

SRINAGAR : National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah has raised concerns over the delay in conducting assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the government’s stance on simultaneous elections with the Lok Sabha polls.

Abdullah’s remarks came in response to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar’s statement, indicating the Union Territory administration’s reluctance to hold the elections concurrently due to the need for additional security forces.

“When the CEC addressed a press conference, he said the ECI and all political parties are ready for polls, but the current administration (in J-K) put hurdles, saying they need more security forces,” Abdullah remarked during a press briefing.

Highlighting the discrepancy in holding polls across the country, Abdullah emphasized the government’s failure to implement the concept of “one nation, one election” if simultaneous polls cannot be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir.

He criticized the Union territory administration for obstructing the electoral process, alleging their reluctance to relinquish power. “They have all the power which they do not want to leave,” Abdullah asserted.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s directive, Abdullah reminded that assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir must be conducted by September 30, as per the court’s order last December.

Regarding the announcement of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, Abdullah indicated that the NC is not in a rush, noting that only three candidates have been announced so far.

With mounting pressure on the government to expedite the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah’s questioning underscores the need for transparent and timely elections in the region.