Srinagar: Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday said that all arrangements have been completed for the first phase of voting in the state assembly elections, describing the polls as a true celebration of democracy.
“Tomorrow is polling day, and preparations are in place. I am confident that democracy in our country has grown stronger,” Khan told reporters after attending an event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
Emphasizing that family background does not define who can lead, the governor said, “The person who governs is chosen through the ballot box. They hold a mandate from the people of India and their states for a limited time. Sovereignty rests with the people, not with those in power.”
Khan cited the rise of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as powerful examples proving that there are no barriers to achievement in India.
“The message to the common man, especially the youth, is clear — in our system, there are no limits to how high you can aim. But you must earn people’s trust. Once you do, the sky is the limit,” he added.
When asked about the dual administrative setup in Jammu and Kashmir under Union Territory status and the delay in restoring statehood, Khan said it was unfortunate that the region had faced such painful circumstances.
Referring to the 1947 partition, he noted that while many suffered, “the people of Kashmir have borne the heaviest price.”
Khan reiterated that peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir remain a shared goal. “Everyone, including the prime minister, wishes for peace and the restoration of statehood,” he said.
He added, “We cannot think that problems exist only in Kashmir. We all want normalcy. As you mentioned, the desire for statehood is shared across India. The prime minister wants Kashmir to have the autonomy to decide for itself.”
However, he stressed the need for stability first. “Normal conditions must return so that rule of law prevails here as it does elsewhere. It is a collective effort — between you and us — to ensure that happens,” he said.
