Farooq Abdullah Welcomes Early Assembly Polls in Jammu and Kashmir

Farooq Abdullah, National Conference chief, hailed the Election Commission's decision to advance assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The elections will occur in three phases beginning September 18, with results announced on October 4. Abdullah expressed optimism for high voter turnout and advocated for fair opportunities for all political parties involved.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Friday welcomed the Election Commission's decision to advance assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing hope that it would end the central rule in the Union Territory.

According to the announced dates, the assembly polls will commence from September 18 and will be held in three phases, with the second on September 25 and the third on October 1. Results for the assembly polls in both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir will be announced on October 4.

''Today, I thank God that they are deciding it. Earlier, people were saying that they would decide it between the 20th and 25th. I am happy that they have preponed it (sic),'' Abdullah told PTI.

Commenting on the readiness of his party, Abdullah stated, ''We are ready for the polls. We advocated for simultaneous elections with the parliamentary polls, but that did not happen.''

He demonstrated optimism about a large-scale turnout, emphasizing the necessity of a level playing field for all political parties. ''The Election Commission should ensure fairness as we want a level playing field,'' he said.

When asked whether the National Conference would contest the election alone, he noted, ''As of now, we have decided so. Discussions will continue within the party.''

Abdullah also confirmed his decision to contest, saying, ''Yes, I will contest. I am young. I have just returned after visiting the Chenab Valley. Before that, I visited Poonch. I am not going to step back.''

Abdullah urged people to prepare for panchayat, town area, and municipality elections, stressing the importance of a democratic setup. He also supported the restoration of statehood, criticizing the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory.

Taking a jab at the BJP, Abdullah queried how their leaders would feel if their state was downgraded in a similar manner. He also commented on the security situation, comparing it to the 1990s, and criticized the BJP's claim of forming the government in J&K.

(With inputs from agencies.)