Omar Abdullah Expresses Concerns Over Delayed Poll Schedule Announcement

Omar Abdullah Expresses Concerns Over Delayed Poll Schedule Announcement

VoM News Desk | October 9, 2023 | 05:51 PM IST | Politics | Follow on Google News

Omar Abdullah Expresses Concerns Over Delayed Poll Schedule Announcement

Omar Abdullah Expresses Concerns Over Delayed Poll Schedule Announcement

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah voiced his apprehensions on Monday, expressing concerns about the Election Commission’s delay in announcing the poll schedule for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. He warned that this delay could potentially lead the people to take to the streets in protest, demanding their right to have an elected government.

A Call for Democratic Rights: Omar Abdullah’s Concerns

Abdullah conveyed his thoughts to reporters, stating, “It seems like we are being pushed to a situation where we have to protest even for our democratic rights.” He highlighted the growing frustration among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who may resort to street protests due to the prolonged absence of assembly elections.

“The Chief Election Commissioner in a press conference today said they will consider all factors before deciding on polls in Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah noted. He posed a series of questions, seeking clarity on the factors causing the delay, such as the availability of electronic voting machines (EVMs), security concerns, and the overall situation in the region.

BJP Fear Factor and Implications for Elections

Abdullah pointed out what he perceived as a “BJP fear factor” as the primary reason behind the election delay. He expressed skepticism, saying, “Either they have lied in the SC or they are hiding behind EC….The only factor (for delay) I can see is the BJP fear factor. If there is any other factor, please let us know.”

He further speculated that the BJP’s recent defeat in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil polls might lead to additional delays in holding various elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah questioned whether the people of Jammu and Kashmir had the same rights as those in other parts of the country, emphasizing the need for clarity and fairness in the electoral process. He also highlighted the dissatisfaction of Ladakh’s residents with the bifurcation and abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

In conclusion, Omar Abdullah expressed concerns about the delay in announcing the poll schedule and its potential impact on the democratic rights of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for transparency in the electoral process and questioned the motives behind the delay, primarily attributing it to a “BJP fear factor.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.