We’re prepared for timely panchayat, ULB polls: Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, January 27

Facing criticism over delay in holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured people of the administration’s readiness to conduct elections in all panchayats and urban local bodies.

Sinha said the government was committed to ensuring the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley and giving land ownership rights to west Pakistan refugees. He added that Gujjars and Bakerwals would not face any dilution in their reservation and denounced attempts to “incite sentiments” on the issue.

“Dear brothers and sisters, the real strength of democracy lies in the activities at the grassroots. The administration is prepared to conduct timely elections to all panchayats and urban local bodies. However, owing to constitutional obligations to extend reservation and rationalisation, the process has been slightly delayed,” the L-G said, addressing people on 75th Republic Day, at MA Stadium on Friday.

“I assure everyone that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to empowering local government institutions and strengthen grassroots governance,” Sinha said.

The five-year term of 28,000 representatives from 4,291 panchayat and block development councils had ended on January 9. The last panchayat elections were held in November and December 2018, and municipalities had their elections in October of the same year.

Panchayat elections scheduled for October-November last year faced delay due to OBC reservations, following an amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act.

Jammu and Kashmir has been already without an elected Assembly since 2018 as the EC has failed to conduct elections in the region.