JAMMU, July 7 – The All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), a registered organization dedicated to the empowerment of grassroots democratic institutions, has strongly criticized the ongoing leadership vacuum in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory’s Election Commission. During a press conference in Jammu, AJKPC President Anil Sharma lashed out at political parties, legislators, and the administration, accusing them of willfully ignoring the critical issue of a headless poll panel.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Sharma pointed out that following the completion of tenure by BR Sharma, former Chief Secretary and State Election Commissioner, the position has remained vacant for over a month. “It is deeply disappointing that not a single political party, elected representative, or public figure has raised this issue either with the Government or in the media. Their silence speaks volumes about their lack of commitment to grassroots democracy,” he stated.
Sharma further accused MLAs across party lines of deliberately maintaining silence to avoid local body and Panchayat elections. “On issues unrelated to J&K, our political leaders make bold statements for national visibility. But when it comes to democratic rights at the local level, their silence is deafening,” he added.
He stressed that under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, only a duly appointed State Election Commissioner has the constitutional mandate to conduct elections for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). These elections are now overdue by more than 18 months, he said, warning that the delay not only violates democratic norms but also undermines local governance and the constitutional rights of the people.
The AJKPC president called upon senior bureaucrats, especially those working closely with the Raj Bhavan, to uphold democratic values and the Constitution by ensuring the early appointment of a State Election Commissioner and facilitating long-overdue elections.
Sharma announced that AJKPC will soon launch a UT-wide campaign demanding early Panchayat and ULB elections. The campaign will commence soon after the conclusion of the Holy Shri Amarnath Yatra and Independence Day celebrations.
Also present at the press briefing were Rakesh Sharma, Secretary AJKPC, and Anil Kumar Barsala, Coordinator AJKPC, who echoed the demand for immediate action to restore democratic functioning at the grassroots level in Jammu and Kashmir.