PDP demands byelections on vacant seats in Jammu and Kashmir, slams EC for delay

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed serious concerns over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) delay in announcing by-elections for vacant assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir.

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In a statement, the PDP noted that while the ECI has announced by-election schedules for several other states, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir remains excluded.

Mehboob Beg, Chief Spokesperson of the PDP, emphasised the urgent need for timely democratic processes in the region. He highlighted the prolonged delay as a troubling issue for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been waiting patiently for the restoration of their democratic rights.

Beg criticised the ECI’s inaction, stating, “While the Election Commission has promptly announced by-elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, the silence on Jammu and Kashmir raises serious questions. This delay undermines the democratic aspirations of our people and risks further alienating them from the electoral process.”

Recently, the ECI announced by-elections for several vacant assembly seats across multiple states, with polling dates scheduled for June 2025. However, no such announcement has been made for Jammu and Kashmir, where several constituencies remain vacant following resignations and other developments. The PDP pointed out that this discrepancy signals a lack of priority for Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic processes.

“Jammu and Kashmir has already endured a prolonged period without a fully functional elected government. The delay in holding by-elections for vacant seats only deepens the political vacuum and erodes public trust in institutions. The ECI must act swiftly to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not deprived of their right to representation,” Beg added.

The PDP spokesperson also urged the ECI to be transparent about the reasons behind the delay. “If there are logistical or security concerns, the EC must communicate these clearly to the public. Keeping the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the dark is unacceptable. We urge the ECI to treat Jammu and Kashmir with the same urgency and importance as other states,” he said.

The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor the situation and engage with relevant authorities to safeguard the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.