NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 15 (NVI): PDP legislator and youth president Waheed Para today criticized the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) initiative, asserting that it poses a severe threat to the distinct political, cultural and legal identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Para described the plan as a step that would marginalize regional voices and erase the political relevance of J&K’s unique concerns. “This proposal is not just an administrative shift. It directly threatens the political and cultural identity of Jammu and Kashmir, further undermining what remains of our distinct voice after the revocation of Article 370,” he wrote on his X handle.
Para warned that J&K’s specific issues, such as the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, the rehabilitation of displaced communities, and land rights, risk being overshadowed by national political agendas under ONOE. “Our region’s needs cannot be lumped into national debates. These concerns will be lost in the noise of larger political narratives, leaving us with no space to address our specific challenges,” he remarked.
The PDP leader highlighted that regional parties, essential for representing local needs, would lose their influence in a centralized election system. “With ONOE, the voices of regional parties will be drowned out by the financial and political dominance of national parties, who often have little interest in our unique issues,” Para stated.
Stressing on the J&K’s diversity, Para argued that Jammu and Kashmir’s two regions have distinct priorities that cannot be addressed through simultaneous state and national elections. “Holding elections together will deepen divisions between Jammu and Kashmir, as both have different needs. National politics often fail to reflect our realities, and ONOE will only widen this gap,” he said.
He also pointed out that J&K’s geographical complexity, security challenges, and unresolved legal issues following the abrogation of Article 370 would make synchronizing elections a logistical and administrative burden.
Para raised concerns about unresolved legal issues stemming from J&K’s reorganization.
“The revocation of Article 370 has left many constitutional questions unanswered. Introducing synchronized elections in this volatile environment will further complicate governance and legal frameworks,” he added.
Para concluded by calling for reforms tailored to J&K’s specific challenges rather than broad national initiatives. “Jammu and Kashmir needs policies that respect its unique identity and address its local governance issues. ONOE is not the reform we need—it represents disempowerment of our political voice, identity, and future,” he said. (News Vibes of India)
