Farooq Abdullah questions delay in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls
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Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah expressed concerns on Saturday regarding the delay in holding the Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir alongside the Lok Sabha polls, stating that there seems to be "something fishy" about the situation.
He pointed out the contradiction in the BJP-led Centre's push for "one nation, one election" while postponing Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah emphasized that if the conditions are suitable for conducting parliamentary elections, there should be no hindrance in holding the state election simultaneously. He expressed disappointment over the delay despite the consensus among political parties, including the BJP, for an early election.
Regarding the demand for simultaneous polls, Abdullah remarked, "Four states are going for both parliamentary and state elections. Why are you denying the people of Jammu and Kashmir the right to choose their own government? There must be something brewing in their minds which they cannot do if they have these elections with the parliamentary polls."
Abdullah also commented on the Election Commission's (EC) inability to conduct simultaneous polls in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the discrepancy in implementing the "One Nation One Election" concept. Meanwhile, NC leader Omar Abdullah criticized the EC's decision, stating that despite acknowledging the due Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir, it is unable to conduct it concurrently with the general election.
In response to queries about the NC's candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, Farooq Abdullah mentioned that the list would be announced within a week, contingent upon the party's decision. He affirmed his willingness to contest the election if the party deems it appropriate.
The EC clarified on Saturday that the Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir will be held after the Lok Sabha polls due to security concerns. The NC has declared its intention to contest all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir and is in talks with the Congress regarding the two seats in Jammu and the lone seat in Ladakh.