Srinagar, October 9, 2023: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Sunday questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) on the delay in holding elections in Jammu & Kashmir.
"They (ECI) are not being given the permission to hold elections in Jammu & Kashmir. Tell us what are the factors (for not holding elections in J&K) for it. Is the situation so bad that elections can't be conducted? ECI has to answer to the people of J&K why are they keeping them away from democracy," Abdullah said while speaking to reporters in Srinagar.
Jammu & Kashmir has been without an elected government since 2018, when the BJP-PDP government collapsed. The central government has since postponed assembly elections in the Union Territory several times.
Abdullah's remarks come after ECI officials recently visited Jammu & Kashmir to review the security situation and preparedness for elections. However, the ECI has not yet announced a date for the polls.
The NC leader said that the delay in holding elections is undemocratic and is depriving the people of Jammu & Kashmir of their right to choose their own representatives.
"The people of Jammu & Kashmir are suffering. They are being denied their basic rights. The ECI has to take a call on this. They have to tell us when will elections be held in Jammu & Kashmir," Abdullah said.
The NC is the main opposition party in Jammu & Kashmir. It has been demanding early assembly elections in the Union Territory.
