Election in JK after voter list revision, statehood later: LG
Highlight
- LG said that the process of delimitation in the Union Territory has been completed
- “After this, of course there will be elections,” he insisted
- The Center revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir elections will “definitely” be held after the completion of the existing electoral amendment, adding that restoration of the state will happen at an “appropriate time”.
Sinha’s remarks came at an event late Saturday when Congress veteran Karan Singh reiterated his demand for holding assembly elections and restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was organized to honor Singh for his contribution to the erstwhile state.
Sinha said, “Democracy is the soul of India. Democracy and India are synonymous with each other. The Prime Minister and the country’s home minister have said many times in Parliament that elections will be held (in Jammu and Kashmir).
The LG said that the process of delimitation in the Union Territory has been completed and revision of voter list has started.
After this there will definitely be elections, he said.
Referring to the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said, “It has also been said many times that (first) delimitation, then elections, then restoration of statehood at an appropriate time. I don’t think that There is any scope for it. There is doubt about it,” he said.
The Center revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.
The LG said Singh is an MP and would understand the importance of the government’s assurances in Parliament.
The LG said, “You have been an MP and you understand the importance of assurance given in Parliament better than me. The assurance given by the government in Parliament is as true as the rising sun from the east.”
Earlier, the veteran Congress leader expressed hope that JK’s union territory is a temporary measure, like the one introduced by the BJP in Article 370 as a temporary one.
“When major changes happened (on August 5, 2019) and we became a union territory, the way you were saying Article 370 is temporary, I am sure our union territory (status) will also be temporary and very Soon we should get our statehood back.”
On the assembly elections, Singh said, ‘The political process should continue.
“Whenever the political process freezes, the society also freezes. Therefore, we hope that the political process will start soon and we will start a new phase,” he said.
Appreciating Singh’s contribution to public life, the Lt Governor called him a great man of ideas and ideals.
The LG said that Singh has made a remarkable contribution to Indian politics with his versatile personality and illuminated the literary world with his intellectual brilliance.
Sinha called upon the younger generation, especially those engaged in the field of social service and literature, to take inspiration from Singh’s life.
“It was the dream of our founding fathers that development should be balanced, deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural traditions of India. The remarkable, strong and resilient development of Jammu and Kashmir is a fine example of our collective determination and victory against various odds. said LG.
He said that the development in various sectors reflects the firm commitment of the Government to achieve accelerated and all-round development.
He said that it is also the responsibility of the civil society, young and thoughtful minds to help the administration in ensuring peace and providing equal opportunities to all.
The LG said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a fear free, corruption free and transparent system has been established in Jammu and Kashmir.
In his address, Singh recalled his time and work as Sadar-e-Riyasat (President of the State). He also spoke briefly about the contribution made by his ancestors to the then princely state.
He also made a special mention of the efforts of the Lt Governor-led Union Territory Administration in transforming the iconic Dal Lake.
(with inputs from PTI)
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