J&K parties welcome Assembly polls, regret delay in Statehood

Election Commission announces first Assembly election in J&K, political parties welcome decision but criticize delay in restoring Statehood.

The Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to hold the first-ever Assembly election in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) was widely welcomed by the political parties on Friday (Augugst 16). However, the leaders regretted the Centre’s delay in restoring Statehood ahead of the polls.

“People of J&K have been waiting for this day for a long time. Better late than never. Our party was prepared for the elections. People will come out and use their votes in the right direction. The ECI should ensure the security of mainstream political parties, especially those opposed to the BJP,” former Chief Minister and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah said. 

Also Read: Abdullahs welcome announcement of Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir

Mr. Abdullah suggested holding talks with the Congress to discuss “concrete proposals and ideas” on a pre-poll alliance.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, the daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, expressed hope that the elections will bring “redressal to people’s issues and end babudom”. “India is the world’s largest democracy. We welcome the ECI’s move. However, these elections should have been held six years ago. This decision was preceded by multiple security meetings by the ECI. If J&K is witnessing normalcy, why hold so many meetings,” she asked. 

J&K came under direct Central rule in 2018 after the BJP-PDP coalition fell apart. It is after a gap of 10 years that J&K will see three-phase Assembly elections next month. 

Assembly elections to J&K and Haryana: Full schedule