Ali Asad
Srinagar, Mar 19: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Tuesday once again voiced his discontent regarding the postponement of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, juxtaposing it with the proposal of One Nation One Election.
Abdullah expressed his skepticism over the government’s push for simultaneous elections across the country, highlighting the contradiction of not holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir due to security concerns. He questioned the feasibility of ensuring adequate security arrangements when elections are synchronized nationwide.
“The government advocates for one nation, one election, but fails to hold assembly elections in our state citing security reasons. How can they guarantee security when elections are conducted simultaneously throughout the country?” Abdullah asked.
“At present assembly elections are not being held in big states like UP and Bihar, and the Election Commission cannot conduct simultaneous elections in Jammu and Kashmir, so when you have one nation, one election, then where will the security forces come from? Will they be brought?,” Omar said.
“The Election Commission had the opportunity to conduct assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, yet the Union Territory administration chose to defer, possibly to cling onto power,” Abdullah accused.
He also referenced the Supreme Court’s directive to conduct assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, emphasizing the urgency to address democratic processes in the region.
Regarding the NC’s strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Abdullah indicated that the party was in no rush to announce candidates, noting the absence of announcements from other political parties as well. “Only three candidates have been announced as of now, Congress and other parties have not announced (their candidates)… We are in no hurry,” Omar said.
