PDP expresses concern over delay in announcing by-elections in J&K
Srinagar, May 26: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday voiced strong concerns over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI’s) delay in announcing by-elections for vacant assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, even as the ECI has moved forward with by-election schedules in several other states.
Party’s chief spokesperson Dr Mehboob Beg in a statement emphasized the need for timely democratic processes in the Union Territory, highlighting the prolonged delay as a matter of serious concern for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Beg criticized the ECI’s apparent inaction, stating, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been patiently awaiting the restoration of their democratic rights. While the Election Commission has promptly announced by-elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, however the silence on Jammu and Kashmir raises troubling questions. This delay undermines the democratic aspirations of our people and risks further alienating them from the electoral process.”
Notably, the ECI recently announced by-elections for several vacant assembly seats across multiple states, with polling dates set for June 2025. However, no such announcement has been made for Jammu and Kashmir, where several constituencies remain vacant following resignations and other developments. The PDP as per the statement argued that this discrepancy reflects a lack of priority for the Union Territory’s democratic processes.
Beg further elaborated, “Jammu and Kashmir has already endured a prolonged period without a fully functional elected government. The delay in holding by-elections for vacant seats only deepens the political vacuum and erodes public trust in institutions. The ECI must act swiftly to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not deprived of their right to representation.”
The PDP chief spokesperson also called for transparency from the ECI regarding the reasons behind the delay. “If there are logistical or security concerns, the Election Commission must communicate these clearly to the public. Keeping the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the dark is unacceptable. We urge the ECI to treat Jammu and Kashmir with the same urgency and importance as other states,” he added.
The party reiterated its commitment to advocating for the restoration of full democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir, including the conduct of timely elections. “The right to vote and be represented is non-negotiable. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to have their voices heard through their elected representatives without further delay,” Beg concluded.
The party stated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are upheld.
