Union Minister Jitendra Singh Celebrates Democracy in Jammu and Kashmir Elections
As voting for the third phase of elections began in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed that the enthusiastic participation of people reflects a celebration of democracy and the true mainstreaming of democracy in the Union territory.
Voting in Bahu Assembly Constituency
Union Minister Jitendra Singh and his family members cast their vote at a polling booth in Bahu Assembly Constituency for the third and final phase of polling for the J&K Assembly Elections 2024.
Significant Voter Turnout
Jitendra Singh stated, “For the first time after many years, such a large number of voters are coming out to vote in Jammu and Kashmir. This is a celebration of democracy.” He explained that the ruling parties previously extended the Vidhan Sabha term to six years under Article 370, but grassroots democracy has been strengthened in the last decade.
Mainstreaming of Democracy
Singh emphasized that the current elections are the first in 30-35 years without strike or boycott calls from Pakistan, resulting in higher voter turnout. He said, “In true sense, the democracy of Jammu and Kashmir is being seen joining the mainstream of India.”
Historical Context of Article 370
Singh discussed how refugees from Pakistan were denied voting and citizenship rights under Article 370 and 35A, despite contributing two Prime Ministers to India. He asserted that Article 370 never benefited the common man and that its abrogation is widely supported.
Polling Details
The third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began at 7 am with 40 constituencies going to the polls, including 24 in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Jitendra Singh -: Jitendra Singh is a politician in India who works as a Union Minister. He helps manage certain government activities and policies.
Democracy -: Democracy is a system of government where people choose their leaders by voting. It means everyone has a say in how the country is run.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It has its own special history and culture.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their local leaders who will make decisions for their state or region.
Bahu Assembly Constituency -: Bahu Assembly Constituency is a specific area in Jammu and Kashmir where people vote for their local leaders.
Voter turnout -: Voter turnout means the number of people who come out to vote in an election. High voter turnout means many people are participating.
Strikes or boycotts -: Strikes or boycotts are when people refuse to work or participate in something to show they are unhappy with certain conditions or decisions.
Mainstreaming of democracy -: Mainstreaming of democracy means making sure that democratic practices, like voting, are a normal and regular part of life for everyone.
Article 370 -: Article 370 was a special law that gave Jammu and Kashmir more autonomy than other states in India. It was removed in 2019, changing how the region is governed.
Local governance -: Local governance refers to how local areas, like towns or regions, are managed and run by elected leaders.
Citizenship rights -: Citizenship rights are the rights that people have as members of a country, like the right to vote, work, and live freely.
