DOST KHAN/ANCHOR
Upholding the validity and legality of the abrogation of Article 370, the five-judge constitution bench of Supreme Court of India issued two important directives with regard to granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and holding elections to the Legislative Assembly.
While the apex court called for granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir ‘ at the earliest and as soon as possible’, it also set a timeline for holding the elections to the Legislative Assembly. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said, “We direct that steps shall be taken by the Election Commission of India to conduct elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir constituted under Section 14 of the Reorganisation Act by 30 September 2024. Restoration of statehood shall take place at the earliest and as soon as possible.”
Now there is no room for ambiguity on the grant of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and holding elections to the Legislative Assembly.
Notwithstanding the Supreme Court directives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government is on record having stated umpteen times that statehood would be granted to Jammu and Kashmir and elections held whenever the Election Commission of India takes a call. In fact, this was submitted before the apex court by the Solicitor General of Indian and his team during day-to-day hearing of the pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370.
The Supreme Court judgment marks a significant moment in the democratic history of India as the people of Jammu and Kashmir are set to experience time-bound elections. The decision highlights the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The implementation of time-bound elections in Jammu and Kashmir not only reflects a commitment to democratic values but also ensures that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a voice in shaping their own destiny. It is a testament to the resilience of our democratic institutions and their ability to adapt to the evolving needs of India’s diverse population.
The Election Commission of India, entrusted with the responsibility of conducting elections to the Legislative Assembly, will have to take a call and initiate the process to conduct the much awaited polls by upholding the highest standards of integrity to instill trust and confidence among the electorate. The people deserve the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections to express their political aspirations. The development post apex court decision has generated enthusiasm in the political spectrum across the Union Territory. Time span for such an exercise is just nine months and the political parties will have to gear up their loins right away to test their acceptability among the electorate. The forthcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are surely going to serve as a beacon of hope and the nation’s commitment to a vibrant and inclusive democracy.
Top brass of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vehemently been pledging commitment to the democratic values that form the bedrock of the world’s largest democracy. The latest development has presented a crucial opportunity for the Election Commission to reaffirm the nation’s dedication to the principles of representation and governance. Power of democracy is a force that binds the diverse population together. In line with this belief, the government has to be resolute enough in its commitment in facilitating elections to the Legislative for providing the people of this region with the opportunity to actively participate in shaping their own destiny. Conducting elections is not merely a political duty; it is a manifestation of the nation’s faith in the democratic spirit that empowers individuals and communities. The forthcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering local leadership, encouraging political diversity, and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard. The democratic process is a shared journey where every citizen plays a crucial role. By holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir, it is hoped that a participatory and inclusive governance structure will be in place that addresses the unique needs and aspirations in this part of the country. Keeping in view the sensitive and the security situation, the road ahead may present challenges, but all the concerned agencies under the superintendence of the Election Commission of India will have to remain steadfast in their determination to overcome these.
Holding elections to the Legislative Assembly will go a long way in steering Naya Jammu and Kashmir to a new era of peace, prosperity and stability after having attained the goal of near normalcy in the wake of taking path-breaking initiatives during the past four hears-post political development of August 5, 2019.