'How is security alright for parliamentary polls and not for state elections?': Farooq Abdullah

NEW DELHI: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed disappointment over the Election Commission of India's decision not to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly polls simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir.

Former Jammu Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abduallah raised concerns about the disparity in conducting elections in other states alongside Lok Sabha polls but excluding Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah questioned the rationale behind denying elections in J-K when all parties were in favor of it.

Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar said, "During our recent visit to Srinagar and Jammu, the J&K Administration told us that two elections can't be held at the same time due to more security requirements. Administration told us that there will be roughly 10 to 12 candidates for each assembly segment which means approximately, there will be 1,000 candidates in fray."

"This means each candidate needs to be given proper security cover and for that, there was more requirement of additional forces. The Commission is committed to holding Assembly polls in J-K soon after Lok Sabha polls when security forces will be available," he added.

Farooq Abdullah challenged the security justification, questioning why security was considered adequate for parliamentary elections but not for state elections. He emphasized the people's desire for elected governance in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the government to prioritize holding elections promptly.

The Supreme Court had previously directed the Election Commission to facilitate legislative assembly elections in J-K by September 30 next year. In August 2019, the Centre revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, dividing the region into two Union Territories.

(With agency inputs)

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword.