Strong possibility of assembly elections in J&K by this year-end, says Rajnath
JAMMU: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said there is a strong possibility of holding the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir by the end of this year.
“Recently the delimitation process was completed. Earlier, Jammu region had 37 assembly seats and Kashmir had 46 but now in the new assembly with 90 seats, Jammu has 43 seats and Kashmir 47. I feel that the election process will be initiated by the end of this year... there’s a strong possibility,” he told a gathering, while addressing a function here to celebrate the 200th year of the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh.
It may be recalled here that four years ago on June 19, 2018, the last elected government of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had ceased after the latter had pulled out of the alliance citing deteriorating security situation. The indication of a timeline comes two days after the Election Commission initiated the revision of electoral rolls in the union territory and prepare the draft rolls by August 31.The defence minister minced no words in slamming Pakistan for meddling in internal affairs of India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. “Jammu and Kashmir is known for its multicultural ethos and time-tested social fabric from the times of Maharaja Gulab Singh but some forces are trying to disrupt this social fabric. Our neighbour continues to play a key role in fomenting trouble right from raids in 1947-48 to targeted killings in Kashmir and recent violence in Bhaderwah. There was a foreign conspiracy to stoke hatred in Bhaderwah,” he said.
He further added, “Some forces in J&K always tried to break this social fabric and encouraged radicals. I appeal to the people to ensure that this social fabric remains intact.” He urged the people to understand Pak designs and foil them.
The defence minister also recalled how the BJP in 2014 had decided to create a new Jammu and Kashmir. “We have honestly worked for the welfare of refugees and migrants in J&K. West Pak Refugees were never resettled but we did our bit by providing them Rs 5.50 lakh of instalment towards their resettlement. We also tried to provide relief to PoJK and Chammb refugees. Kashmiri Pandits are also being helped financially and jobs were given to them under the PM package,” he said.
He further said, “We want to assure the people from all faiths here that there shall be no further migration and displacement of any community from any party of J&K.”
Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that the Agnipath scheme is a golden opportunity for the Indian youth to join the armed forces and serve their motherland. In a statement, Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, said that many youths did not get the opportunity to join the armed forces as the recruitment process could not take place for the last two years. Keeping in mind the future of the youth, he stated that the government, on the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has increased the age limit for the recruitment of Agniveers from 21 years to 23 years for the recruitment cycle of 2022.
“The relaxation of age indicates that the government cares for our youth,” he added.