Srinagar, 27 May (H.S.): National Conference today criticized the Union Government and the Election Commission for delaying the Rajya Sabha elections and by-elections in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the lack of political representation for the Union Territory even seven months after the seats fell vacant.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, spokesperson Tanveer Saqid said, “today marks the seventh month since four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir became vacant. This is perhaps the only Union Territory without any representation in the Rajya Sabha.”

The NC spokesman questioned why the Rajya Sabha elections and the by-elections for the Nagrota and Budgam Assembly constituencies have not been announced, even as the Election Commission recently issued notifications for several by-elections across other states of the country.

Citing the BJP’s 2019 claims that Jammu and Kashmir was being brought into the “mainstream,” Sadiq said Jammu and Kashmir continues to be deprived of the rights and representation enjoyed by states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. “In 2019, the BJP said they wanted J&K to be treated like every other state. But we still do not have basic rights like Rajya Sabha representation,” he added.

The NC spokesman also raised alarm over rising online betting in the region, comparing it to the growing drug menace. “Online betting has become a serious issue. Just like drug abuse, it is ruining our youth. We appeal to the police to take strict action. Since the law-and-order machinery is not in our hands, we can only express our concern, he added.”

He reiterated the party’s commitment to restoring special status and Statehood. “Our working committee has passed seven resolutions, two of which are extremely important-one on restoring special status and another demanding full Statehood. These are core promises of our party manifesto, and we will never step back from them.”

Responding to PDP’s criticism that these resolutions should have been passed in the Assembly, the spokesperson said the working committee is the party’s highest decision-making body. “The Assembly is defunct. Our Cabinet and working committee has unanimously passed these resolutions. Where other parties are silent, we are taking action,” he said.

Sadiq dismissed reports of an internal rift with senior leader Aga Ruhullah. “There is no rift. He is our member, our MP. Rumors are being spread by those who want to distract the people from the real issues – Statehood and special status.”

Referring to the BJP’s position that Statehood will be restored once normalcy returns, he said such claims are inconsistent. “If everything is normal, as the BJP claims, why is Statehood still denied? And if the situation is bad, then why are they saying normalcy has been achieved? Bureaucracy cannot replace elected Governments. People’s issues can only be addressed through grassroots political engagement” he added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar