SRINAGAR: National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, expressed disappointment on Saturday over the absence of any mention of simultaneous polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Very disappointed, disheartened over no mention of LS and Assembly polls together in Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr Farooq said.
He remarked that while the Government of India talks about ‘One Nation, One Election’, the failure to conduct simultaneous polls in Jammu and Kashmir represents a missed opportunity for the Centre. Dr Farooq highlighted that neither state assembly elections are being conducted nor the statehood is being restored.
Dr Farooq mentioned that every political party, including the National Conference, had requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold simultaneous polls in Jammu and Kashmir. “It was high time for the ECI to conduct polls simultaneously here and allow the people to govern their region instead of the Lieutenant Governor,” he stated.
“Dal Mei Kuch Kala Hai, it is why they are delaying assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr Farooq alleged.
“When security is sufficient for Lok Sabha polls, why not for Assembly elections? I feel sad. The ECI should rethink its decision. Today was an opportunity for the GoI to bridge the gap between Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi,” Dr. Farooq emphasized. (KNS)
