- – Aasif Suhaf
As the countdown to the October 8 results for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections intensifies, political tensions are escalating over reports that the BJP-led central government plans to nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly before the formation of a new government. This maneuver is widely perceived as an attempt to manipulate the majority threshold from 46 seats to 48, potentially tipping the balance in favor of the BJP.
Tariq Hamid Karra, Chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, vehemently criticized the BJP’s intentions, accusing the party of undermining democracy in the region. “The BJP is trying to murder democracy in Jammu and Kashmir through unethical practices,” he stated. He highlighted previous tactics employed by the BJP, including fielding independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley to fracture the vote, and expressed concern that the party is resorting to unfair means as it senses defeat.
Karra reaffirmed his commitment to oppose this move “tooth and nail,” while expressing optimism that an alliance between Congress and the National Conference would secure a majority for government formation. He emphasized that the current assembly comprises 95 seats, with polling conducted for 90, leaving five designated for government nominations. If these nominations proceed, they could significantly alter the power dynamics in the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee (JKPCC) has labeled the BJP’s actions as “undemocratic” and a blatant disregard for the electorate’s mandate. Karra insisted that the authority to nominate members should rest solely with the newly elected government, warning that bypassing this crucial step would undermine democratic principles and betray voter trust.
In a call for unity, Karra extended an invitation to like-minded parties in Jammu and Kashmir to join forces for government formation, aiming to keep the BJP out of power corridors.
As the election results approach, all eyes are on how this contentious situation will unfold and its potential implications for governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
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