Suhail Khan
Srinagar, August 17: After a 10-year-long wait, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is finally gearing up for assembly elections. However, sources have revealed that the former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir are unlikely to participate in this election.
Reliable sources told Kashmir Despatch former chief ministers Omar Abdullah (NC), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP), and Ghulam Nabi Azad (DAPA) are all staying away from the upcoming Assembly Elections.
Sources close to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have disclosed to Kashmir Despatch that Mehbooba Mufti has decided not to participate in the assembly election, much to the dismay of the party leadership who wanted her to contest.
The party leadership will be meeting in the coming days to discuss the matter and make a final decision sources added.
Similarly, Ghulam Nabi Azad has also shown no interest in participating in the election so far, according to sources. An official announcement is expected from him in the next few days.
Rumors are also circulating about the potential non-participation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the upcoming Assembly Elections. The National Conference will be making the final call on this matter, sources revealed.
The party’s top leadership has confirmed to Kashmir Despatch that they will decide on the participation of Vice President Omar Abdullah in the coming days.
This matter gained more attention when Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah stated that he will not contest the elections until the statehood is restored. He added that once the statehood is restored, he will step down and Omar Abdullah will contest.
Pertinently, Both Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti faced defeat in the recent Lok Sabha polls held after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
The common voter delivered a decisive mandate as both candidates lost their seats by a significant margin in their respective constituencies.
Meanwhile, The announcement of assembly election dates in Jammu and Kashmir by the Election Commission of India has brought excitement to the political spectrum and the common people of the union territory. After a long hiatus of 10 years, the stage is now set for a vibrant democratic exercise, with all major political parties welcoming the move.
The Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases. The first phase of polling will take place on September 18, the second phase on September 25, and the final phase on October 1. Vote counting will be conducted on October 4.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
