Omar Abdullah Hopes for Early Elections in Jammu and Kashmir
Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference (JKNC), stressed the need for early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He mentioned that the region has been without an elected government since 2018, the longest period in its history.
He said, “We don’t know that for sure (if dates will be announced for J&K). That’s speculation. We hope that they are announcing dates for J&K. But in the past, we have also expected an announcement and one hasn’t been forthcoming. J&K has been without an elected assembly since 2018. This is perhaps the longest period without an elected government in J&K. So, we hope that the ECI will use today’s opportunity to announce early elections in J&K, in keeping with what the Supreme Court of India has said, because this is as per their guidelines and their directives.”
Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah also spoke about the expected election schedule announcement, saying, “They used to say article 370 is responsible for the rise in terrorism. You are in power and still, the terrorism is at its peak. Today, the dates will be announced. A parliamentary committee will be formed and the candidate will be of your choice who can resolve your difficulties.”
In December last year, the Supreme Court directed the central government to conclude the election process in the Union territory by September 30, 2024. Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support for the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti.
Recently, a poll body delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reviewed the poll preparations in J&K. During a press conference in Jammu during the visit, Kumar emphasized that the commission is committed to holding elections there “at the earliest.” The Election Commission of India (ECI) will announce the schedule for assembly elections on Friday at around 3 pm. The election commission is likely to announce the schedule for the assembly elections to the 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly later.
Doubts Revealed
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is a politician in India. He is the Vice President of the National Conference, a political party in Jammu and Kashmir.
National Conference -: The National Conference is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir, a region in India. It is one of the oldest political parties in the area.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It has been without an elected government since 2018.
Election Commission -: The Election Commission is a government body in India that organizes and oversees elections. They make sure elections are fair and follow the rules.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and can give orders to other parts of the government.
Farooq Abdullah -: Farooq Abdullah is a senior politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He is also a member of the National Conference party.
terrorism issues -: Terrorism issues refer to problems caused by groups that use violence to create fear and achieve their goals. Jammu and Kashmir has faced such problems for many years.