Srinagar, May 26 (KNS): The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious concerns over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) delay in announcing by-elections for vacant assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, even as schedules have been released for several other states.

In a statement to KNS, Mehboob Beg, Chief Spokesperson of the PDP, said the prolonged delay is a matter of concern for the people of the Union Territory. “While by-elections have been promptly announced in states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, the silence over Jammu and Kashmir raises serious questions. It undermines democratic aspirations and risks alienating people from the electoral process,” Beg stated.

The ECI recently announced polling dates for vacant seats in multiple states for June 2025, but no announcement has been made for Jammu and Kashmir, where several constituencies remain without representation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Beg added that Jammu and Kashmir has already been without a fully functional elected government for an extended period, and delaying by-elections only deepens the political vacuum. He urged the ECI to act swiftly and treat Jammu and Kashmir with the same importance as other states.

“The people deserve to know the reasons for the delay. If there are security or logistical concerns, the Election Commission must communicate them clearly. Keeping the public uninformed is unacceptable,” Beg said.

The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for timely elections and the restoration of democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir, insisting that the people’s right to vote and representation is non-negotiable.