Why no elections in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP asks poll panel

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday asked the Election Commission (EC) to clarify the reasons behind its decision to defer elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

'The Election Commission must clarify why poll dates were deferred in Jammu and Kashmir. Has it been deferred for two-three days or indefinitely?' BJP leader Arun Jaitley told reporters here.

•   E-mail Article
•   Printer Friendly
•   Text-Size    

'Is there any division in the commission for conducting polls in the state or was it the lack of adequate security that forced them to defer polls,' Jaitley asked.

On Tuesday, the Election Commission announced dates of elections in five states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Mizoram.

The poll panel, which has held meetings with political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and the home ministry, was also expected to declare dates for the state that has been under governor's rule since July.

'By doing this we are telling the world that India is incapable of conducting polls in Jammu and Kashmir and have bowed to some separatist forces,' Jaitley said.

He pointed that despite boycott from Hurriyat Conference, the last assembly elections in the state had seen large turnout of people. 'Even the international community has hailed the free and safe elections.'

Another party leader, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, said the BJP was of the opinion that political activities should resume in the state and a popular government be constituted at the earliest.

'We request the Election Commission to announce dates immediately.'

Rudy was optimistic about his party's prospects.

'We will prove that incumbency is for us and are confident of winning in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The political situation in Delhi is also in favour of the BJP.'