Barring PDP, all parties want early elections, says Governor

Jammu, January 16

Batting for early Assembly elections, Governor Satya Pal Malik has said all political parties, except Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party, wanted early polls.

The Governor, however, hastened to add that it was the Election Commission of India which had the mandate to hold the polls and decide the schedule.

“The government has sought opinion from everybody — all political parties and security agencies. We have talked to all. The government cannot decide it, it is for the Election Commission to decide (the poll schedule),” Malik said in an interview.

The Governor made the remarks in reply to a query if the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections would be held together in view of the security scenario in the state.

“There is a difference of opinion among political parties (on the timing of the Assembly elections). Some want it to be delayed by two months, others by four, while yet others want it to be held as soon as possible,” he said.

Malik said while the BJP wanted the Assembly poll be held along with the Lok Sabha elections, the National Conference wanted it to be held as soon as possible.

“The PDP, however, wants it (Assembly poll) to be delayed,” he added.

The Governor, however, maintained that the ECI would ultimately be deciding the poll schedule, factoring in the requirement and availability of the forces and other conditions.

The Governor, however, batted for an early election. “I want the polls to be held as soon possible so that I come out of this,” he added.

Like the BJP, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president Ghulam Ahmad Mir also favoured holding of the Assembly polls and Lok Sabha elections together in the state.

“We want both polls together and soon. The Congress is ready for the polls. We do not want any delay in the Assembly poll at all,” Mir said.

Governor Malik wished the elections were violence-free just like the recent municipal and panchayat polls. “I pray that the Assembly and parliamentary polls are held without any casualty and with the largest possible participation of voters,” he said. — PTI