The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results to be announced on October 4, as confirmed by the Election Commission on Friday afternoon. EC also announced date of Haryana election.
This development is a significant step towards fulfilling a Supreme Court order mandating the restoration of democracy in Jammu and the Kashmir Valley by September 30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously indicated that elections would be held soon and that statehood would be restored.
To prepare for the elections, the Election Commission announced that the final voter list will be published by August 20, following the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra. Approximately 8.7 million voters are expected to participate.
People want to script a new future: CEC
"The people want change... they want to script a new future," stated Election Commission chief Rajiv Kumar while outlining plans for a safe and successful election in J&K. He noted the enthusiasm observed during a recent visit to the region, highlighting the long queues at polling booths during the Lok Sabha elections as evidence of the public's desire for change and participation in the democratic process.
An Election Commission team, led by Rajiv Kumar, visited J&K earlier this month to assess election preparations and engage with representatives from political parties, as well as senior police and security officials.
In the hours leading up to the announcement of election dates, there was a significant reshuffle of senior police officers, including district chiefs and the head of J&K Police's Intelligence unit. This reshuffle has raised concerns among opposition parties, such as the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, especially amid rising terror attacks in several districts of Jammu.
Omar Abdullah concerneds about recent police reshuffle
National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the election dates but expressed concerns about the recent police reshuffle. "After 1987-88, this is probably the first time an election is happening in phases... it will be a new experience. For the National Conference, we have been preparing," he stated. Abdullah also urged the Election Commission to take notice of the police transfers, fearing they may benefit the Centre and the BJP.
BJP Welcomes
Tarun Chugh, the BJP's J&K in-charge, welcomed the announcement of the election dates, stating, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K has become free of Article 370. People have faith in PM Modi... BJP will fight elections in J&K."
SC's Landmark Ruling
In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to conduct Assembly polls by September 30 of this year.
Haryana election
Haryana is set to vote in a single phase on October 1 to elect a new state government, the Election Commission announced today. The results for the Haryana assembly elections will be declared on October 4.
No comments:
Post a Comment