This assembly election a major festival, says Tarigami

Srinagar, Aug 16: Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami on Friday said the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir, announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is a “major festival”.
“This election is a major festival because the people did not believe the administration would give them the opportunity to elect their candidates, resulting in a wave of satisfaction among the public,” he said while addressing media persons here.
The former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Kulgam said there had been no assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since 2018. “Despite the completion of the Delimitation Commission’s work and other formalities, people remained sceptical about the election process. Thus, when the Chief Election Commissioner announced the schedule on Friday, a wave of satisfaction swept through the populace,” he said.
“It’s not that elections have never happened before. People have participated in past elections. However, today’s satisfaction stems from the belief that the government would provide an opportunity for assembly elections in this state,” Tarigami added.
The CPI(M) leader said the announcement has brought happiness to the faces of the people, and this is welcomed. “We hope the Election Commission will ensure a level playing field, providing opportunities to every party and candidate. We also hope the atmosphere of security will be maintained to conduct the election process in a non-partisan manner,” he said.