SRINAGAR: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday criticised fresh reports suggesting possible re-elections in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the process to restore statehood, calling it an attempt to create confusion and delay the reversal of the August 5, 2019 decision that revoked the region’s special status and bifurcated it into two union territories.
In an interview with local news agency KNO, PDP Chief Spokesman Dr Mehboob Beg questioned the legal framework and precedent for re-elections in this context.
“This has never happened before. There is no precedent, no convention, no procedure,” Dr Beg said, referring to the demotion of a full-fledged state to a union territory. “Where can you demote a state into a union territory? How do you go back? The law has no answer. What was done is unknown to law, and only experts may suggest how to reverse it.”
Dr Beg said the Centre had failed to show clear intent and accused it of delaying decisions. “There was a commitment from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. Elections were not a favour. But now, even elections seem like a favour. First, delimitation, then elections — that was the order,” he said.
He added that the delimitation process in Jammu and Kashmir was treated as an exception to the national schedule. “Delimitation in the rest of the country is due in 2026. Here, it was advanced. Exception,” he said.
On the recent re-election discussions, Dr Beg said they were intended to “create confusion and buy time” while avoiding substantive action. “Sorting this out — how long will it take? No one knows. But you don’t play tricks with your own citizens,” he said.
The PDP spokesperson urged the government to act transparently. “If we are all citizens of the country, then honesty is expected. You don’t mislead your own people,” he said. (KNO)
