Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference (NC), expressed his disillusionment with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday, asserting that the ECI had failed to restore democracy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Omar called upon the ECI to conduct simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections in J&K, highlighting the absence of assembly polls in the region for the past decade. The ECI is scheduled to hold a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday to announce the dates for the Lok Sabha polls. The former Chief Minister of J&K expressed his lack of faith in the ECI, stating, “The ECI’s mission is to uphold democracy in the country. However, there have been no elections in J&K for the last 10 years.” Referring to the proposal for ‘One nation, one election’ put forth by former President Ram Nath Kovind, Omar questioned the delay in implementing it in J&K.

“Our assembly elections are pending. This is an opportune moment; let the ECI announce dates for both Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the UT,” Omar emphasized.

When questioned about any scheduled meeting of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) for the upcoming week, Omar distanced himself, stating, “I am not associated with the PAGD. I am not a member of the alliance, and inquiries regarding this should be directed to the office-bearers of the PAGD.” He reiterated his affiliation with the National Conference, redirecting inquiries about meetings to Farooq Abdullah.

Omar, affirming that the NC has decided to contest from all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, affirmed that candidates would be announced at the appropriate time. “No one can coerce us. We will unveil our candidates’ names when we deem it necessary,” he asserted.