Jammu and Kashmir Parties Welcome EC Assembly Poll Announcement

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir commend the Election Commission's announcement for three-phase assembly elections starting September 18, signaling a move towards restoring democracy. Leaders from various parties express gratitude, optimism for voter turnout, and call for fair process amid concerns of central government bias.

Political parties across Jammu and Kashmir praised the Election Commission's announcement on Friday of three-phase assembly elections starting September 18. The announcement is seen as a significant step towards restoring democracy in the region after six years of central rule.

National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission for expediting the poll process. 'I thank God that they are deciding it. Earlier, people were saying they would decide between the 20th and 25th. I am happy they have preponed it,' he remarked. Abdullah was hopeful for higher voter turnout after a decade-long gap since the last election in 2014.

Omar Abdullah, former chief minister, commented on the long wait for the announcement, terming it 'better late than never.' He urged the Election Commission to address concerns over recent transfers within the police and civil administration, fearing potential biases favoring the BJP.