Azad urges EC to hold LA election in J&K one month after LS polls

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday urged the Election Commission (EC) to hold the much-awaited Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir a month after the completion of the Lok Sabha election process.
“The EC has stated that it is not holding the Assembly polls with the Lok Sabha election because of security considerations. It is true that if 10 candidates fight from each parliamentary seat, we have five seats and the number of candidates will be 50. Similarly, if we have 15 candidates from each of the 90 Assembly segments, the number of candidates will be around 1,500. It is difficult to provide security to 50 candidates,” the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.
“The Assembly election should be held after a month’s rest post the Lok Sabha polls,” he said.
Azad, who was a member of a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to look into the feasibility of the “one nation, one election” concept, said the report has been submitted to the President and it is now for the government and the EC to take a call on the recommendations.
Asked about the opposition’s criticism over holding the Lok Sabha polls in seven phases, the former Union minister said even during the Congress rule, elections used to take place in seven or eight phases.
Earlier, addressing a public meeting in the heart of the city here, Azad said a legislation is needed to protect Jammu up to Samba.
“Our land and jobs were protected by Article 35A of the Constitution but after its abrogation with Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu has become vulnerable as anyone coming from outside will prefer the city rather than going to the hilly districts of Jammu or the Kashmir valley. People from the 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are living in Jammu and we have to protect the city up to Samba district,” he said.
Azad sought the people’s support in forming the next government in Jammu and Kashmir and said he will give top priority to mitigating the problems being faced by them due to lack of electricity and water, besides ensuring development.
He also asked people to wisely vote in the parliamentary polls so that the elected candidates become their voice and highlight their issues.
He emphasized the importance of voting based on merit, policies, and track records rather than religious affiliations.
Azad urged the people to transcend religious lines when casting their votes.
He highlighted the need for unity and inclusivity in the electoral process, stressing that candidates should be evaluated on their ability to serve the people and uphold democratic values. “We have to vote for a candidate for Parliament, who can raise our voice, not based on religion, just as I have done on various critical issues. Many MPs remain silent in Parliament, but my candidate will be the one who truly represents you and speaks up for your concerns.” he said.
Azad promised holistic development including more districts, schools, hospitals, and roads. He said, “In two and a half years, I sanctioned districts, roads, hospitals which no government could provide. My mission is solely dedicated to achieving development at a large scale. The other parties have exploited the people while we remain committed solely to development. They have divided people along regional and religious lines with fake slogans that have now been exposed. My slogan is ‘kaam bolta hai”.
“It was me who fought for statehood in Parliament, pressuring the government to promise the return of statehood”, he said and expressed dismay over widespread lack of electricity and power. He vowed to work tirelessly to ensure that every region, regardless of challenges, has access to reliable electricity infrastructure.
Azad underlined Jammu’s rich heritage of secularism and unity and called for a collective effort to uplift the region, prioritizing progress and peace.
He said, “Jammu has been renowned for its social cohesion and unity for many years. It is imperative that we preserve these values for the promotion of peace and progress.”
Among others present on the occasion included G.M.Saroori Vice Chairman, R.S.Chib Gen Secretary, Jugal Kishore Sharma Provincial President, Ab Majeed Wani Gen Secretary, Arvind Singh Mickey Gen Secretary, Vinod Mishra Gen Secretary, Salman Nizami Chief Spokesperson, Ch Gharu Ram Zonal President, Secretary Hira Lal Abrol, Adv Maheshwar Singh Gen Secretary, Gourav Chopra Distt President, Gurmeet Kaur, Sunita Arora, Sobat Ali, Kulwant Singh, Kirtan Singh, Vishal Chopra, Ashok Sharma, Mohinder Sharma and others.