The holding of by-elections for vacant Assembly seats, local body elections, and Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir remains uncertain due to persistent security concerns. Despite the Election Commission of India (ECI) undertaking preparatory measures such as revising electoral rolls, recent events, particularly a terrorist attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, have heightened security anxieties and seemingly stalled the electoral process.
Currently, two Assembly constituencies, Nagrota and Budgam, are without elected representatives. The Nagrota seat became vacant following the death of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana, while the Budgam seat was vacated after Omar Abdullah's resignation. According to constitutional norms, by-elections should occur within six months of a seat becoming vacant; however, this deadline has already passed. The delay has drawn criticism from political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The NC and PDP have voiced their dismay over the ECI's failure to announce by-elections for the Rajya Sabha and Assembly seats, demanding an explanation from both the Central Government and the ECI. They argue that the delay is discriminatory, especially when by-elections are being conducted in other states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab. NC leader Tanvir Sadiq emphasized that it has been over six months since the Rajya Sabha seats fell vacant, depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their right to representation in Parliament. PDP Chief Spokesperson Mehboob Beg echoed these concerns, stating that the delay undermines the democratic aspirations of the people and risks further alienating them from the electoral process and erodes public trust in institutions.
Political observers suggest that the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has likely diverted the government's attention and amplified security concerns, contributing to the postponement of the elections. The PDP has called for transparency from the ECI, urging them to publicly disclose any logistical or security concerns that are causing the delay. They insist that keeping the public in the dark is unacceptable and that the ECI should treat Jammu and Kashmir with the same urgency and importance as other states.
The absence of a functioning elected government in Jammu and Kashmir has created a political vacuum. The delay in holding by-elections only exacerbates this issue, eroding public trust in institutions. The PDP has affirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation and engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are upheld. They maintain that the right to vote and be represented is non-negotiable and that the people should not be kept in political limbo any longer.
The ECI is reported to have jointly "certified" with the Centre of its inability to hold the bypolls within the six-month timeframe, citing exceptions provided in the law and seeking an extension of the timeline. Meanwhile, security forces are maintaining high alert along the borders, anticipating potential infiltration attempts.
