Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 29: CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today said that the deferment of Lok Sabha elections on the Anantnag-Rajouri seat would be sheer injustice, emphasizing that they will move to the Supreme Court if that happens.
Addressing a press conference here, Tarigami remarked that the closure of roads is nothing new and cannot be the reason for postponing polls, as demanded by some parties.
“We believe that the people of Jammu have participated extensively in the elections, and while the process is set to begin in Anantnag-Rajouri, some people want it to be postponed; this would be unjust because road closures are not unprecedented,” he said.
He alleged that the BJP might fear that the voter turnout in Jammu might not meet their expectations, suggesting that they are now resorting to “excuses.”
“People want the elections to proceed on schedule. We urge the ECI not to delay because it would affect the Commission’s credibility. We will approach the ECI along with other parties in this matter, and if necessary, we can also approach the Supreme Court,” he stated.
Tarigami emphasized that there are parts of the country which are remote and lack proper roads, noting that this cannot be a reason to defer the electoral process.
“In the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, there are alternative routes besides the Mughal Road that can be used,” he said.
Regarding the elections held across the country, he remarked that there seems to be no significant wave as claimed.
“The claim of 400 seats is being punctured, and this has frustrated the country’s leaders, who are resorting to narratives that go beyond the constitution of this country,” he said.
He stressed that every party and leader must remain within bounds, emphasizing that elections come and go, but safeguarding the country’s interests always remains paramount.
“Specific communities should not be targeted; we must work to break down the walls of hatred, and our mission should be to protect the constitution, as advocated by the INDI Alliance and other parties,” Targami said.
He also raised the issue of power shortages faced by the people, urging the Home Ministry to provide compensation to J&K as per the Rangarajan Commission, which includes an increased share of electricity from the central grid.
“This season is favorable for electricity generation, yet we experience extended power outages; while people do not receive adequate electricity, we also see an increase in monthly fees,” he said.
The CPI (M) leader highlighted that under the Indus Water Treaty, J&K was supposed to receive due compensation, which was also recommended by the Rangarajan Commission. “Instead, we witness increased power cuts; I ask, is this what ‘ache din’ brings for the people?”
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