National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi Urges Immediate Elections in Jammu and Kashmir
New Delhi, July 29 — National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday called for the urgent scheduling of elections in Jammu and Kashmir during a debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. His remarks come in light of the Supreme Court’s directive to the Election Commission to conduct elections by September 30. However, as of now, no election schedule has been announced.
Mehdi expressed frustration over the lack of progress in initiating the electoral process. “I have not come here to beg for elections,” he said. “The Supreme Court directed this government to establish a democratic government by September. With just one month left, no election preparations have commenced.”
The Srinagar MP urged that the Supreme Court’s order be respected and acted upon promptly to uphold democratic principles. “For the spirit of democracy, give them directions to ensure that the Supreme Court’s order is followed and elections are conducted,” Mehdi added.
In December, the Supreme Court upheld the Central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and mandated the restoration of statehood “at the earliest.” The Court had specified that assembly elections should be held by September 30, 2024.
The Election Commission had previously announced in March that holding simultaneous assembly and parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be impractical due to logistical and security concerns. Thus, whenever assembly elections are scheduled, it will be the first since the August 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.
