Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Before the announcement of the dates of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission is continuously visiting the states and taking stock of the preparations. The ECI team led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from March 11-12. During his visit, CEC Rajiv Kumar also held an important meeting with the leaders of political parties of the state. During this time, political parties have also expressed their desire to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously.
According to NDTV report, during the meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, Congress and Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party agreed to hold both the elections simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir. Political parties want that ‘One Nation-One Election’ should be started from Jammu and Kashmir.
Elections were not held in Jammu and Kashmir for last 6 years
Political parties say that elections have not been held for the last 6 years in Jammu and Kashmir, which is currently under President’s rule. General elections will be held for six Lok Sabha seats in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in April/May. Senior National Conference leader Nasir Sogami and former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad are also part of the commission exploring the possibilities of ‘one nation, one election’. He has claimed that people are more worried about the assembly elections.
Azad also said, “I am in favor of simultaneous elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I am ready for elections even at midnight, but the people of Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha ElectionsCompared to others, they are more worried about the first assembly elections.
PDP-NC captured Anantnag-Rajouri seat
At present, speculations are also being made about Ghulam Nabi Azad contesting the elections from Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat held by National Conference’s Hasnain Masoodi. However, this seat has remained with People’s Democratic Party chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and the National Conference.
Ghulam Nabi has not even refused to contest elections from Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat. He said, “Most of the people wish that I should contest elections from here and go to Parliament.”
‘State elections have been pending for a long time’
Senior NC leader Sogami said that the NC had also demanded the Election Commission to hold simultaneous elections in the Union Territory. He said that this (simultaneous elections) Prime Minister Narendra Modi This is also in line with the dream of ‘one nation, one election’. State elections here are pending for a long time. Sogami also said that the party demands level playing field for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
On Monday, the Election Commission team led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar met representatives of different political parties. At the same time, ECI has already met the officials of the Union Home Ministry.
Center approves deployment of 600 paramilitary companies
To ensure safe elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government has already approved the deployment of 600 paramilitary companies. The deployment of security forces on such a large scale has been done in addition to the existing security set-up.
BJP claims- ready for both elections simultaneously
A BJP delegation also met the Election Commission team. The delegation has also claimed that BJP is fully prepared for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. However, the party has left the announcement of dates to the discretion of the Election Commission.
