Political parties in JK not in favour of early polls

Srinagar, Jul 8: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir don't want the state elections to be advanced despite the early exit of the Congress government from office after the People's Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew support to it over a controversial land transfer to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).

"The government had to resign, but I am hopeful about the present governor (N.N. Vohra), who was part of the peace process in Jammu and Kashmir. After taking office, he said that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir should handle the Amarnath Yatra. He also revoked the land order. He will do his best to see the situation remains peaceful till elections take place in the state, that is towards the end of October," said Mehbooba Mufti, PDP President.

The opposition National Conference is also in favour of having elections as per schedule. "We cannot think of early elections. We would like the elections to take place on time. The process should begin after the end of Eid and should be completed by the end of November," said Omar Abdullah, the National Conference chief.

On Monday, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned ahead of a vote of confidence on the floor of the State Assembly, as he didn't have the requisite numbers in the Assembly.

If the PDP had not issued a whip to its members, there was a chance of some members supporting the government. But after the PDP issued a whip, it became unlikely. Therefore, Ghulam Nabi Azad had to resign.

The Azad government was reduced to a minority last month after the PDP withdrew its support. The term of the State Government was to expire on November 2.

The Congress has 21 members in the 87-member strong State Assembly, and is backed by two CPM MLAs and eight Independents. The PDP had 18 MLAs and its support was crucial for running the government.

Governor Vohra had summoned a special session of the State Assembly following the withdrawal of support by the PDP.

The PDP, which entered into a power sharing agreement with the Congress and an assortment of Independent MLAs following a hung verdict in the 2002 polls, pulled out from the Congress-led government on June 28.

ANI