Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, May 13 (KNS): After casting his ballot for the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, People's Democratic Front (PDF) chief, passionately appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharing his reflections on the democratic process post-voting with the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Yaseen lauded the democratic values ingrained in the country, emphasizing the indispensable role of citizen participation in elections.
However, he voiced apprehension regarding the absence of simultaneous assembly elections alongside parliamentary ones, highlighting the necessity for a more inclusive and synchronized electoral framework.
Yaseen noted a palpable surge in voter enthusiasm compared to the 2019 elections, signaling a growing impetus for political change among constituents.
Expressing optimism, he articulated hope for the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in facilitating early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, thereby amplifying the region's democratic voice.
In terms of party stance, Yaseen said he directed his party members to vote for deserving candidates in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Simultaneously, he affirmed his party's endorsement of Sajad Lone in the North Kashmir Parliamentary constituency, reflecting a strategic alignment with candidates perceived to champion the region's interests.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Citing the lack of substantive action by elected representatives post the revocation of Article 370, Yaseen underscored the imperative for renewed political engagement.
He expressed confidence in the ability of younger candidates contesting elections to better articulate and represent the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir's populace.
Expressing dissent over alleged arrests of his supporters, Yaseen underscored the need for equitable treatment of all political participants to safeguard democratic integrity. He lamented “the potential negative repercussions such actions could have on youth pursuing peaceful political activism”.
When questioned about his support for candidates, Yaseen clarified his endorsement of Sajad Lone in North Kashmir, citing his party's strategic considerations.
He indicated that no other party had solicited his support for the Srinagar Parliamentary seat, empowering his party workers to make informed decisions based on merit.
He said he was invited to join the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), but declined, citing divergent personal agendas within the coalition.
He expressed disillusionment with the acrimonious tone prevalent in election rallies and reaffirmed PDF's commitment to contesting assembly elections independently, focusing on constituencies where they wield substantial support.(KNS)