Assembly Polls Now

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of Parliament highlighted a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir: the record-breaking voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections. Srinagar saw a 38.49% turnout, Baramulla recorded 59.1%, and Anantnag-Rajouri 53%. These figures are not merely statistics but symbolize a profound shift in Kashmir over the past some years.

For years, low voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir was a grim reflection of the region's turmoil. The latest turnout figures, however, signify a departure from this trend, reflecting a desire for political representation.

The contentious abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, brought about a disruptive change in J&K. The erstwhile state was bifurcated into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This political restructuring was aimed at integrating the region more closely with the rest of India, ensuring that the Constitution of India is fully applicable to these areas. While this move was met with mixed reactions, the recent voter turnout indicates a willingness to engage with the new political framework, if not its acceptance..

However, the remarkable voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections also raises a pertinent question: why not capitalize on this momentum by immediately holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir? The enthusiasm and participation displayed by the electorate suggest that the people look forward to a more localized and representative governance structure. Assembly elections would empower the residents of Jammu and Kashmir to elect a government that can address regional issues more effectively and grant a sense of ownership and agency to people..

The central government, in light of this overwhelming participation, should expedite the process of conducting assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. This would not only be a logical progression following the successful Lok Sabha polls but also a reaffirmation of India's commitment to democratic principles. Assembly elections would
lead to a local government, which can then work towards addressing the unique challenges faced by the region.

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Also, holding assembly elections would be a significant step towards normalizing the political environment in Jammu and Kashmir. This would not only strengthen democratic institutions in the region but also honor the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for a more participatory and representative governance. Kashmir has been without an elected government since 2018 when the PDP-BJP coalition government fell after the BJP withdrew support. It is time that that J&K has one.

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