Srinagar, May 27 (Reporter) The ruling National Conference (NC) and the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have raised concerns over the delay in holding by-elections in the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir. The criticism comes after the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced by-polls for five assembly constituencies in Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, and West Bengal. These elections are scheduled for June 19, with counting set to take place on June 23. In central Kashmir, the Budgam Assembly seat has remained vacant since Chief Minister Omar Abdullah relinquished it in favour of Ganderbal, his home turf. Abdullah had contested and won from both constituencies in the Assembly elections held in September October last year. The Nagrota seat in Jammu fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Devender Rana shortly after the elections. “By-elections are taking place everywhere except in Budgam and Nagrota. Why is the delay only in Jammu and Kashmir?” questioned NC chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq. Sadiq also urged the Election Commission to conduct elections for the Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that more than six months have passed since the last Assembly elections, and the Upper House seats continue to lie vacant. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly criticized the prolonged delay in announcing by-elections for vacant assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a serious affront to democratic principles. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been patiently awaiting the return of a representative government. While the Election Commission has been prompt in announcing by-elections in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, its silence on Jammu and Kashmir is both troubling and discriminatory,” PDP Chief Spokesperson Mehboob Beg said. “This delay not only undermines the democratic aspirations of our people but also risks further alienating them from the electoral process.” “The discrepancy in the ECI’s approach reflects a troubling lack of priority for Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic processes. The Commission must act without further delay to uphold the people’s right to representation,” Dr. Beg added. The PDP has also demanded greater transparency from the ECI, calling on the Commission to publicly explain the reasons behind the delay. “If there are logistical or security concerns, the Election Commission must communicate these clearly to the public. Keeping the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the dark is unacceptable...////...