Srinagar, August 17, 2024 (IE) – Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have responded positively to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent announcement of assembly election dates in the region. The announcement, made on August 16, was welcomed by both the Awami National Conference (ANC) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). However, leaders from both parties stressed the need for the central government to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before the elections are held.
Muzaffar Shah, the Vice President of the Awami National Conference, expressed his gratitude towards the Election Commission for taking this step. However, he emphasized that this move would only be meaningful if accompanied by the restoration of statehood. “The central government must walk the talk by restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah said. He insisted that the announcement of statehood should come before the elections.
Shah also made specific demands regarding the election process. He urged the Election Commission to “cancel all transfers made within the past 24 hours” and suggested that these decisions should be left to the incoming government. Shah expressed confidence that the next government in Jammu and Kashmir would be formed without the involvement of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “I personally tell all alliance partners that the people’s demand is that we have to reject the August 5th decision by the vote and unity,” Shah stated, referring to the abrogation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
On the same day, CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami also welcomed the announcement of the election dates. Tarigami noted that the decision by the Election Commission had brought a sense of satisfaction and relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Today, people are satisfied with the announcement of dates, as there was doubt whether the central government would hold elections in J&K or not,” Tarigami said.
Both Shah and Tarigami highlighted the significance of the upcoming elections, with the restoration of statehood remaining a central demand. Tarigami reiterated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have long awaited the return of full statehood and that this should be a priority for the central government.
The announcement by the ECI has sparked a mix of reactions across the political spectrum in Jammu and Kashmir. While the BJP has welcomed the decision, other political parties have expressed concerns over the timing and context of the elections. The restoration of statehood remains a critical issue, with many leaders arguing that it is essential for the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir to be fully restored.
As the region prepares for the upcoming elections, the demand for statehood is likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse. Both the Awami National Conference and CPI(M) have made it clear that they will continue to push for this demand, even as they participate in the election process. The coming months will be crucial for the future of Jammu and Kashmir, as the region’s political landscape takes shape amidst these developments.
