J&K CM Omar Abdullah warns against unilateral decision on ‘one nation, one election’ plan

Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah calls for transparent discussion on simultaneous elections proposal, warns against unilateral decisions.

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (December 13, 2024) sought a thorough discussion on the proposal for simultaneous elections, and warned against unilateral decisions on the issue.

“There is a need for a transparent and open discussion on the ‘one nation, one election’ proposal. It should not replicate the contentious process surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 (which led to the withdrawal of J&K’s special status) in 2019,” Mr. Abdullah said.

“The Bill is a Cabinet proposal and has not been not tabled in Parliament. It should not meet the same fate as the Bill related to Article 370, which was passed within one or two hours after a token discussion,” the National Conference (NC) leader said.

Mr. Abdullah called for an “open discussion” in Parliament. On the NC’s position on the Bill, Mr. Abdullah said his party would sit and form an opinion. “Accordingly, our members of Parliament will vote,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullah said the rules of business, yet to be finalised for the elected government of the Union Territory (UT), were likely to be completed by the end of December or early January. “Work is under way to get some clarity in framing business rules,” he said.