Mallikarjun Kharge to J-K voters: “Remember who is responsible for the “travesty” of downgrading a state to UT”

New Delhi: Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday appealed to Jammu and Kashmir voters to take into accout who is accountable for the “travesty” of downgrading a state to a Union Territory earlier than they cast their vote. He asserted that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir are desirous to safeguard their rights and desires a brand new era of true development and whole statehood. Jammu and Kashmir began with its first phase of voting for assembly elections 2024 on Wednesday since the abrogation of Article 370. The voting for 24 constituency seats across 7 districts of the Union Territory went to polls in Phase 1 amidst tight security arrangements.

Taking over X (formerly Twitter), the Congress National President, Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, “As the first phase of voting in 24 Assembly constituencies commences, we urge each person to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers.”

“Allow us to unite and shape a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, where the voices of all citizens are heard,” he added.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir are desirous to safeguard their rights and embark on a brand new era of true development and whole statehood. As the first phase of voting in 24 Assembly constituencies commences, we urge each person to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers.…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 18, 2024

Or not it could possibly perhaps be the maiden assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory. Or not it could possibly perhaps be some distance also the first poll to elect an assembly in every single place the last 10 years.

“Each and every vote holds the ability to shape the future and bring about an era of peace, stability, justice, progress, and economic empowerment,” the Congress president said. “We appeal to all, specifically first-time voters, to participate on this important election and be the catalysts for change,” Kharge continued.

“For the first time ever, a state became downgraded to a Union Territory, while you cast your vote, do take into accout who is accountable for this travesty,” He in the same way added.

On 5 August 2019, the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladkah.

All through the first phase of the three-phase polls, seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir, located on either side of the Pir Panjal mountain range, are voting to make your mind up their representatives. The fate of 219 candidates, including Ninety Independents, running for 24 assembly seats should be decided by  over 23 lakh voters. The choice two phases of polls are scheduled to be held on September 25 and October 1, while the vote counting is scheduled for October Eight.

(With PTI Inputs)