National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will pass a resolution against the Centre’s decision to scrap Article 370 after the assembly elections in the Union Territory. Omar Abdullah said passing a resolution against the Centre’s decision to strip the state of its statehood and special status will be the first act of the Assembly.
The former chief minister said, “The first thing the Jammu and Kashmir assembly will do after the elections is to pass a resolution against the Centre’s decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status.” Omar Abdullah’s statement came a day after the Election Commission announced three-phase assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 4.
A petition filed against the decision of the Supreme Court to abolish the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was heard. During this, the Supreme Court rejected the demand to restore Article 370 and state status. Also, directed to conduct elections in the Union Territory by September 30. Let us tell you that the last assembly elections were held here in November-December 2014. Jammu and Kashmir has been under President’s rule since 19 December 2018.
Omar Abdullah had announced not to contest the elections until the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir is restored. His father and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah will lead the party in the upcoming elections.
Farooq Abdullah, expressing hope that the Central government’s rule in the Union Territory will end, said, “I thank God for this decision. Earlier there was speculation that the date would be fixed between 20th and 25th, so I am happy that the date has been extended. We were ready for the Lok Sabha elections and we had requested that the assembly elections should also be held at the same time, but it did not happen.”
Meanwhile, many political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, including Congress, BJP, CPI(M) and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), have praised the Election Commission’s announcement to hold assembly elections in three phases. All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary GA Mir praised the Election Commission’s decision and said that it reflects the aspirations of the people for a popular government.
Mir said, “People are eagerly waiting for the formation of a popular government and the announcement of elections reflects the aspirations of the people. We are confident that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will participate in the elections enthusiastically.”
Iltija Mufti, prominent leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, also welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement. Iltija said, “PDP welcomes the election announcement.”
