Election Fever Grips J&K as Political Parties Embrace Poll Schedule

Srinagar, Aug 16: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed the announcement of assembly elections in the Union Territory.
The Election Commission of India announced on Friday that three-phased assembly polls in J&K will begin on September 18, with counting set for October 4.

Political parties have expressed approval of the decision to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of 10 years.
Senior National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, while welcoming the announcement, said that his party would soon begin its election campaign.
“Better late than never. After 1987-1988, this is the first time elections in J&K are being conducted in such a small number of phases. The National Conference was ready for this day. We will begin our election campaign soon. We have been prepared for the polls from day one; this might be a new experience for some political parties,” he said.
Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Ghulam Nabi Azad, also welcomed the announcement of elections. “We welcome the announcement of elections. I thank the government and the Election Commission. We hope it will be a free and fair election. We also hope the security of voters, candidates, and party leaders will be taken care of… Right now, what is important is that people are getting a chance to elect their representatives after nearly 10 years.”
The Congress party also welcomed this political development.
PDP leader Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo stated that the poll dates are a welcome announcement. “We are happy that the ECI has adhered to the deadline given by the Supreme Court… We are ready for the election in every way. There should be a vote against the decision to take away our special status, constitution, and flag. People should express their resentment through their votes,” he said.
BJP leader Altaf Thakur said, “J&K BJP welcomes the announcement of elections. As everyone knows, the BJP entered election mode long ago with rallies and door-to-door campaigns. This time, the BJP will form the government by winning over 50 seats.”
CPI-M leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami mentioned that the Election Commission assured political parties of a level playing field and expressed satisfaction with the security situation. “All parties, including us, believe that a vacuum was created in J&K due to the absence of elections for the last 10 years… With the announcement of elections, there is now a renewed sense of hope among the people,” said Tarigami.