Srinagar, Aug 16: “People of Jammu & Kashmir have long awaited this day. After years without a government, they have experienced the disadvantages of such an absence, but better late than never, as the Election Commission of India has announced three-phase elections for Jammu & Kashmir,” former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday.
Omar said since 2018, the people of J&K have been without their own government and have “suffered” the “disadvantages”. He said this is the first time since 1987-88 that elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in such a short period and in fewer phases.
“This will be a new experience for political parties,” the National Conference Vice President said. “However, I can say on behalf of the NC that we have been preparing for this day and will commence our election process immediately.”
Abdullah said that during the Election Commission of India’s press conference, there was a strong focus on ensuring free and fair polls, with no politics related to security. “I would like to request the Election Commission, and we will be writing a letter to them today, to review the numerous transfers that have been made in the last 24 hours. The Election Commission should assess these transfers immediately.”
He alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party – the ruling party in Delhi, through its “appointed” Lieutenant Governor, may have orchestrated these transfers to benefit the party and its allies. “The Election Commission should examine these transfers and halt those that fall outside of ECI guidelines,” he said.
The former CM also pointed out that over the past year or two, the security of certain mainstream parties, especially those critical of the BJP, has been reduced or withdrawn. He urged the ECI to review these security measures and restore protection for non-allied BJP parties as soon as possible.
When asked whether he would contest the assembly elections, Omar said, “As far as my own candidacy is concerned, I am inclined not to contest, but there is significant pressure from my party. I will discuss this with them and make a decision. Moreover, my father, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who is now of advanced age and occasionally unwell, has stated that if he does not contest, I will have no option but to do so.”
Regarding a pre-poll alliance and the INDIA bloc, he said, “Some senior Congress leaders from Delhi recently visited us for a preliminary discussion about a possible poll alliance. Unfortunately, they came without the instructions of their party’s high command, and we could not advance the dialogue. However, if Congress now has any concrete suggestions or ideas for mutual understanding, we are open to talks.”
