Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, Aug 16: The announcement of assembly election dates in Jammu and Kashmir by the Election Commission of India has sent a wave of excitement across the political spectrum and among 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 announcement of the assembly election dates in Jammu and Kashmir has undoubtedly rekindled the democratic spirit in the region, and the people are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to make their voices heard.
The Election Commission on Friday announced the dates for the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, which will be held in three phases. The first phase of polling in the Union Territory will be held on September 18, the second phase on September 25, and the third and final phase on October 1. Counting of votes will take place on October 4.
Reacting to this development, people across the valley are happy.
Speaking to Kashmir Despatch, a group of locals termed it a welcome step and hoped that this election too will create a record with a huge and massive turnout.
Sajad, a local of Srinagar, said it took us to wait long ten years for the announcement, which really made not only our political leaders suffer but it affected the overall valley, and today it’s really a happy moment.
He said it hardly matters who will be the winner, but elections are very important, and having our own political setup plays an important role.
Another local, Abdul Raheem, said that it’s good to see the local political setup back, as it really matters to have our own leaders working for our own people.
Raheem said that the local political leaders had been given a great lesson, and we all hope this time they will reach the expectations of people who had been only victims. However, having a long gap will definitely make them accountable for their work and their responsibility, which they get after coming into power.
Raheem said that at least this time, whosoever will win will not make people suffer.
“Elections are a vital component of a thriving democracy, as they give the people the power to choose their own leaders and shape the course of the nation,” expressed Farooq, a political worker of one of the local parties.
Fayaz, another political activist, said, “After a long wait, the upcoming elections will be a chance for us to exercise our fundamental right to vote and have a direct say in the decisions that affect our lives.”
He said, “this is an opportunity to hold our representatives accountable and ensure that the government that emerges truly reflects the will of the people.”
He further expressed optimism, stating, “The long-awaited elections will empower the citizens and lead to the formation of a government that is truly representative of the people.” Fayaz further added.
Political Leaders’ Reaction
Almost all the parties, including National Conference, Congress, BJP, CPI(M), and DPAP, thanked the Election Commission and said the poll announcement maintained the supremacy of the Supreme Court, which had set the September 30 deadline for the holding of the much-awaited assembly elections in J-K.
Reacting to the EC announcement, National Conference vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah said it was better late than never.
“Some time back, the ECI announced the schedule for assembly elections in J-K. People of J-K were waiting for this day for a long time. It is better late than never,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.
Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Altaf Bukhari, in a tweet, said, “Finally, the long-awaited schedule for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls has been announced. After nearly six years of waiting, the people will have the opportunity to exercise their most fundamental democratic right—the right to elect their own representatives. I hope the elections will be conducted in a free and fair manner. These elections present a vital opportunity for the people to reclaim their voice and shape their future. I hope that the voters will choose wisely, electing genuine representatives rather than those imposed over the decades. Jammu and Kashmir is at a crucial juncture, and only visionary and courageous leadership can safeguard the rights of its people.”
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad, in a tweet, said, “After a long wait of 10 years, we welcome the announcement of elections in J&K. This marks the longest gap since 1949 without assembly elections. I hope they will be free, fair, and fearless. I also urge the government to ensure the security of all party candidates!”
Senior CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami also welcomed the announcement of a poll for Jammu and Kashmir. “It is welcome that after a long time the EC has announced the schedule for elections to the assembly. We also welcome the statement of the EC that it will be a full democratic exercise by ensuring a level playing field for all parties and contestants, besides sufficient security for candidates and votes as well,” Tarigami said.
“Better late than never,” Senior Vice president of Pradesh Congress Committee Ravinder Sharma said, reacting to the announcement by the chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
He said the people in J-K were waiting for the assembly elections for the past six years after the fall of the PDP-BJP government in June 2018.
J-K BJP president Ravinder Raina said, “We are highly grateful to ECI for the announcement of assembly elections in J-K.” However, the party media incharge Pradeep Malhotra said they are fully prepared for the elections and requested the people to take part in the upcoming elections enthusiastically. Malhotra expressed hope that the elections would be peaceful and violence-free.
AICC General Secretary G.A. Mir thanked the EC for announcing the polls in a region where the last assembly polls were held in 2014 and said the supremacy of the apex court, which had set September 30 as the deadline for the assembly elections in J-K, has been maintained.
He said the central government has promised assembly elections after delimitation, but the exercise was completed long back.
“People are eagerly waiting for the formation of the popular government, and the announcement of the polls reflects the aspirations of the people. We have full faith that people in J&K will take part in elections in a big way and elect their representatives,” he said.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
