SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) refrained from stating its position on holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections before a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee was established by the central government last year to examine the feasibility of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal.
According to the panel’s report, the National Conference failed to respond to multiple communications seeking its suggestions on the matter. At the time, NC had three Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha.
The report highlights that the committee sought responses from 62 political parties with at least one representative in the Lok Sabha. While 32 parties expressed agreement with the proposal, 15 opposed it. However, NC was among 15 parties that did not respond, even after receiving reminders.
Interestingly, the Democratic Progressive Azad Political Party (DPAP), led by Ghulam Nabi Azad, supported the idea of simultaneous polls. The party argued that frequent elections hinder the country’s development due to the recurrent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
Notably, Azad, who heads DPAP, was also a member of the high-level committee. Although the panel did not specifically solicit suggestions from DPAP, as it is not a recognised political party, it nevertheless submitted its views in response to a public notice issued by the panel.
The DPAP, however, did not secure any seats in the 2024 elections. (KNO)
