Omar: EC taking directions from BJP to delay J&K Assembly polls

Abdullah also questioned the state of security in J&K and said, “Since August 5, 2019 it has been projected that the situation has turned around in Kashmir. If this is true, then let us know what are the factors responsible for denying the people of J&K their democratic right to a government.”

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

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A day after the National Conference emerged as the single largest party in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) polls for Kargil, party vice-president Omar Abdullah blamed the Centre as well as the Election Commission of India for delaying J&K polls.

Referring to CEC Rajiv Kumar’s statement at a press conference on Monday where he remarked J&K elections will be considered “at an appropriate time”, Omar said, “It is unfortunate that even today, they are saying that they need to consider other factors. I want to ask them what are these factors? We feel that there is only one factor, which is fear.” Abdullah said that the BJP was earlier hiding behind the Raj Bhawan and is now using the EC as a shield. “Instead of taking their decisions independently, the EC is taking directions from the BJP,” he said.

Abdullah also questioned the state of security in J&K and said, “Since August 5, 2019 it has been projected that the situation has turned around in Kashmir. If this is true, then let us know what are the factors responsible for denying the people of J&K their democratic right to a government.”

Naveed Iqbal

Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies. Expertise Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics. Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers: Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state. Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights. Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read More

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