SRINAGAR, Dec 15: PDP leader Waheed Para stated on Sunday that the ‘one nation one election’ (ONOE) initiative poses a direct threat to the political, legal, and cultural identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
As the youth president of the PDP and an MLA from Pulwama, Para expressed his concerns about the plan potentially erasing the remaining political voice of the region.
He emphasized that the ONOE proposal is not merely an administrative change but poses a serious risk to the distinct political and cultural identity of Jammu and Kashmir. Para pointed out that the region has historically fought for its unique voice and identity, and previous changes like the revocation of Article 370 were already a setback.
He warned that ONOE could further diminish this political voice, as it overlooks the region’s unique issues—such as the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, and land rights—by merging them into broader national discussions.
According to Para, these specific concerns would be overshadowed on a national stage, leaving Jammu and Kashmir unable to address its particular needs. He argued that regional parties play a vital role in voicing the interests of the people, but ONOE threatens to mute their influence, allowing national parties with little regard for local issues to dominate the political landscape.
This could lead to the sidelining of crucial matters such as the rehabilitation of displaced individuals, tribal rights, and local governance. Para highlighted the diverse political and cultural identities within Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the distinct needs of both Jammu and Kashmir could exacerbate divisions if state and national elections were conducted simultaneously.
He stated that national politics often overlook regional realities, and the introduction of ONOE would widen this gap, potentially leading to governance problems and political standstills. He also mentioned that the region’s complex geography, security issues, and administrative challenges already make elections difficult, and synchronizing state and national elections would only strain resources, resulting in delays and possible electoral mistakes.
Lastly, Para pointed to the significant legal challenges posed by ONOE, especially given the unresolved constitutional issues stemming from the revocation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganization.
He asserted that implementing synchronized elections in such a sensitive environment would complicate legal matters further. In conclusion, he stated that for Jammu and Kashmir, the concept of One Nation, One Election represents a disempowerment of its identity, political autonomy, and future, asserting that what is truly needed are policies that honor the region’s unique challenges and uphold local governance.
