Govt, EC to take call on ‘one nation, one election’
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 17: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman and former J&K Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad has requested the Election Commission (EC) of India to hold the much-awaited Assembly polls in the Jammu and Kashmir, a month after the completion of the Lok Sabha election.
The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory will be held in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar) and May 20 (Baramulla). The counting of votes will take place on June 4.
He said the Election Commission has stated that it is not holding the Assembly polls with the Lok Sabha election because of security considerations.
“ It is true that if 10 candidates fight from each Parliamentary seat, we have five seats and the number of candidates will be 50. Similarly, if we have 15 candidates from each of the 90 Assembly segments, the number of candidates will be around 1,500. It is difficult to provide security to 50 candidates,” the former Chief Minister said.
However, he requested the Election Commission and the Union Government to hold the Assembly polls a month after the completion of the Parliamentary elections.
“The Assembly election should be held after a month’s rest post the Lok Sabha polls,” he pleaded.
Azad, who was a member of a high-level committee chaired by former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind to look into the feasibility of the “One Nation, One Election” concept, said the report has been submitted to the President and it is now for the Government and the EC to take a call on the recommendations.
Asked about the Opposition’s criticism over holding the Lok Sabha polls in seven phases, the former Union Minister said even during the Congress rule, elections used to take place in seven or eight phases.
He said the DPAP has announced one candidate from the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat and the decision with regard to other seats will be taken in due course of time.
“We have announced one candidate and will see where else we are going to field candidates,” he said.
Earlier, addressing a public meeting at Maharaja Hari Singh Park here, Azad said a legislation is needed to protect Jammu up to Samba.
“Our land and jobs were protected by Article 35A (of the Constitution) but after its abrogation with Article 370 (in August 2019), Jammu has become vulnerable as anyone coming from outside will prefer the city rather than going to the hilly districts of Jammu or the Kashmir valley. People from the 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are living in Jammu and we have to protect the city up to Samba district,” he asserted.
Azad emphasized the importance of voting based on merit, policies, and track records rather than religious affiliations. He highlighted the need for unity and inclusivity in the electoral process, stressing that candidates should be evaluated on their ability to serve the people and uphold democratic values.
“We have to vote for a candidate for Parliament who can raise our voice, not based on religion, just as I have done on various critical issues. Many MPs remain silent in Parliament, but my candidate will be the one who truly represents you and speaks up for your concerns.” he said.
Azad mentioned that Article 35A was initially introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh to protect our land and jobs through state subject laws. If we come into power, my government will bring a law to protect land and jobs, ensuring the protection of our rights and resources.
He underlined Jammu’s rich heritage of secularism and unity and urged a collective effort to uplift the region, prioritizing progress and peace. He said Jammu has been renowned for its social cohesion and unity for many years. It is imperative that we preserve these values for the promotion of peace and progress, he added.
Azad sought the people’s support in forming the next government in Jammu and Kashmir and said he will give top priority to mitigating the problems being faced by them due to a lack of electricity and water, besides ensuring development.
The DPAP leader also asked people to wisely vote in the Parliamentary elections so that the elected candidates become their voice.
Prominent among those present included- GM Saroori, RS Chib, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Majeed Wani, Arvinder Singh Mickey, Vinod Mishra, Salman Nizami, Ch Gharu Ram, H L Abrol, Maheshwar Singh, Gourav Chopra, Gurmeet Kaur, Sunita Arora and Sobat Ali.
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