SRINAGAR: The Election Commission on Saturday interacted with political parties in Jammu and Kashmir as part of exercise to decide the timing of assembly polls in the state which was recently ravaged by floods.
“Time is not for conduct of elections as people are trying to rebuild their lives which were badly affected by the floods,” National Conference general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar told reporters after the meeting the Election Commission, which interacted with representatives of various political parties.
Pradesh Congress Committee Vice President Ghulam Nabi Monga said his party impressed upon the Commission that delay in conducting polls would necessitate imposition of Governor’s rule in the state.
“Governor’s rule is not substitute to the democratic process. Only elected representatives can serve people better …. The human tragedy that befell the state due to floods needs people’s representatives for providing them succour,” Monga said.
PDP spokesman Naeem Akhtar said his party reiterated its earlier stand about holding elections in time.
After his meeting the Election Commission at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre here, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami told PTI, “While focus has to be on relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims, the democratic process should not get affected as it is only the elected representatives who can deliver on this front.”
(PTI)