SRINAGAR: Ruling National Conference on Thursday called for delaying the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saying time was not conducive in view of the devastation caused by the floods in the state but Opposition Peoples Democratic Party was for holding the polls as per schedule.
“Time is not ripe for holding elections as the atmosphere is not congenial due to devastation caused by floods and the trauma and shock people are in,” a three-member NC delegation led by party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar told deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi. He was accompanied by Provincial Presidents of Jammu and Kashmir, Devender Singh Rana and Nasir Aslam Wani, respectively.
Delegation told Zutshi that while National Conference has always upheld the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir, it strongly feels that instead of elections, the priority should be relief, rehabilitation and welfare of the people.
The delegation apprised the Deputy Election Commi-ssioner about the widespread destruction to all sectors in almost all constituencies in the Valley and few constituencies in Jammu region.
“National Conference wants a democratically elected government but in view of the situation, focus has to be on relief and rehabilitation of the flood-hit areas,” the party delegation said.
While seeking elections as per schedule, PDP called for shortening the process by holding the polls in lesser phases than earlier.
“We impressed upon the Deputy Election Commi-ssioner of India that Jammu and Kashmir being a sensitive state, the elections should be held as per schedule,” Naeem Akhtar, chief spokesman of PDP, told PTI after the meeting.
Akhtar said elections in the state are keenly watched and delaying the polls could send a wrong signal.
“There are concerns that holding elections can affect the relief and rehabilitation process of the flood victims in the state. We suggested that a team of Central and State government officers can be appointed to look after this aspect during the model code of conduct,” he said.
Akhtar said he and party leader Dilawar Mir also pitched for shortening the election process in the state by conducting it in lesser phases than done in earlier elections in the state. “To begin with, the elections could be held in areas which will be snowbound very soon,” he added.
The PDP spokesman said holding elections in time had become imperative “in view of the colossal failure of the State Government in preventing the floods and providing succour to the victims in its aftermath. Earlier, Zutshi, who is on a three-day visit to the state, held meetings with Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey and Director General of Police K Rajendra Kumar to assess the situation in the state. He also interacted with the deputy Commissioners of various districts through video conferencing. (PTI)