SRINAGAR: The Election Commission of India (ECI), has stated its intention to conduct assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shortly after conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections, stating the availability of parliament forces as a key consideration.
Expressing the necessity for additional paramilitary forces, Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, while addressing a presser as per the Daily Spark News (DSN), said to ensure candidate safety, the ECI emphasized the significance of conducting assembly polls following Lok Sabha elections, when security forces would be more readily accessible.
He added that, this decision follows alignment between the J&K Reorganisation Act and the Delimitation Commission, resolving discrepancies that arose in 2022. “With both entities now in agreement since December 2023, preparations for elections are progressing,” he added.
“Security concerns in the region have led to the postponement of elections this time. However, the ECI remains committed to swiftly organizing elections in Jammu and Kashmir following the parliamentary elections,” said Kumar.
Moreover, the sequence of Lok Sabha seat polls in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled as, Udhampur: April 19, Jammu: April 26, Anantnag – Rajouri: May 7, Srinagar: May 13 and Baramulla: May 20
