The declaration made recently by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and his promise to bring back the state's independence has sparked a range of reactions throughout the Union Territory. While the proclamation has been well received by leaders of different political groupings in Kashmir, some have expressed concerns about the absence of a definitive deadline and called for more tangible initiatives.
In the past, the Supreme Court had ordered the Election Commission of India and the Center to make sure that assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir by September. In response to PM Modi's remarks, National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said that while it was a great beginning, he was concerned about the vagueness around the dates. The fact that PM Modi acknowledged the public's opposition to the statehood reduction to UT status is praiseworthy. But we still need clarity on election dates and the return of statehood," Dar said.
Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi’s remarks on statehood, early assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir evoke mixed reactionshttps://t.co/ZmjhwnsiGy#JammuAndKashmir #PrimeMinister #NarendraModi #AssemblyPolls #statehood #dailynewsupdate #NewsUpdate #newsupdatetoday pic.twitter.com/d04GrQJ5it
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the other hand, brushed off Modi's remark as just more political hyperbole. The PDP's youth vice-president, Aditya Gupta, drew comparisons to other broken promises, saying, "We've heard similar assurances for the past five years." Modi's promises of elections and statehood are like the promised 15 lakh rupees in every person's bank account.
On the other hand, Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari expressed confidence in the wake of the decision, calling it a ray of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "It is extremely important that the PM has promised to start organizing assembly election preparations and to reinstate statehood. It satisfies the people's long-standing demand to be granted their democratic rights again," Bukhari posted on social media.
PM Modi's remarks on statehood, early assembly polls in J-K evoke mixed reactions https://t.co/E3RVhVoNUZ
— NewsMeter (@NewsMeter_In) June 21, 2024
PM Modi's statement was also warmly received by the Democratic Party (Nationalist), which was led by former Chief Minister of J&K Ghulam Nabi Azad. The party emphasized that recent election participation showed how eager the public is for change. In order to fulfill the expectations of the people, DPAP Chief Spokesperson Salman Nizami urged the administration to guarantee a peaceful conduct of elections.
Congress spokesman Sheikh Amir, meanwhile, pointed to the gap since the 2014 assembly elections and attacked the government's strategy. Practical actions must be taken if the PM is sincere about keeping his word. According to the Supreme Court's orders, the Election Commission should quickly send out notices for the assembly votes, claimed Amir.
PM Modi’s Remarks on Statehood, Early Assembly Polls in Jammu Kashmir Evoke Mixed Reactionshttps://t.co/KgE615D8E2
— Kashmir Life (@KashmirLife) June 20, 2024
In the midst of continuing talks to bring political stability back to Jammu and Kashmir, stakeholders are keeping a watchful eye on developments in anticipation of the impending assembly elections. PM Modi made this statement.
The conversation surrounding PM Modi's remarks highlights the intricacies and goals of Jammu & Kashmir, where political choices have a significant impact on the future of the area. As the process progresses, all eyes are on the government's next actions and how they will affect the Union Territory's political environment.
