What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
JAMMU: Without setting a specific deadline for announcing the election timeline, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Friday said that the Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage will conclude on August 19, after which a review will be conducted in Delhi to decide on the polls.
Addressing a query regarding recent terror incidents in the Jammu region and their possible impact on Assembly elections, Kumar assured that the security forces and the entire administration are well-equipped to handle any situation that might arise.
“Considering the strong voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections in April-May, it is crucial to maintain that momentum. Officials of the Union Territory (UT) Government have also expressed their readiness to conduct the elections, and no significant concerns have been raised,” he stated.
Acknowledging that security challenges persist, the Chief Election Commissioner noted that while there have been minor changes in the security landscape since the Parliamentary elections, these will not and cannot disrupt the electoral process.
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“The administration is fully prepared to address such challenges. These ‘nefarious acts’ are often orchestrated in response to successful elections. We remain resolute. No disruptive attempts will be allowed to succeed,” he added.
Kumar also emphasized that minor challenges would not dampen the enthusiasm and high voter turnout visible during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring nothing hinders the election process. Such situations will not arise, and we will not allow any forces to delay the polls. The security forces and administration are fully capable of managing any such eventuality. The banner of democracy will continue to soar high,” he affirmed.
Highlighting that all political parties have strongly advocated for early Assembly elections, he said the Commission is equally committed to conducting elections in Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible. He expressed confidence that the public will respond robustly to disruptive forces, leading to increased voter participation whenever elections are held.
“We are ready to build on the successes of the previous Parliamentary elections. We will first assess the availability of security forces in New Delhi. The Supreme Court’s September 30 deadline will be considered, and we will keep you informed accordingly,” Kumar mentioned when asked about the timeline for the Assembly elections.
“The timing of elections in any state depends on the expiration of the Assembly’s term,” he added.
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Kumar also stated that they had engaged with recognized political parties in the UT, all of which unanimously commended the people and the Election Commission for conducting peaceful and historic Parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The political parties acknowledged the high voter turnout as a historical achievement, noting no untoward incidents occurred. He asserted that public trust in the electoral process has grown.
“All political parties have agreed that elections should be held soon and have called for a level playing field. They emphasized the need for elected representatives to connect more closely with the people, advancing democracy in the region. They believe that the people should have their government, and elections should be held soon,” he said.
Kumar indicated that a “positive challenge” is the anticipated increase in participation from both candidates and voters. “The challenge is to make this a reality on the ground,” he remarked.
Kumar emphasized that all officials have been instructed to be proactive in making the necessary arrangements at polling stations and on the ground. “There was significant enthusiasm among young voters, and we aim to sustain this momentum by creating a conducive environment, which is a challenge we are prepared to meet,” he stated.
The CEC outlined various directives regarding security, voter facilities, and ensuring the best possible environment for the elections. According to an official document circulated at the Election Commission’s press conference, there are 8.709 million registered voters and 11,838 polling stations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Of the 8.709 million voters, 4.446 million are male and 4.262 million are female. Additionally, there are 169 transgender voters, 82,590 People with Disabilities (PwDs), 73,943 Very Senior Citizens, 2,660 Centenarians, 76,092 Service Electors, and 371,000 First Time Voters.
However, the Special Summary Revision of the electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir is ongoing, and the final electoral rolls are expected to be published around August 20. The total number of polling stations in Jammu and Kashmir is 11,838, with 2,332 located in urban areas and 9,506 in rural areas. The average number of voters per polling station stands at 735.
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Out of 11,838 polling stations, 90 each are managed by PWD and women, while 360 are designated as Model Polling Stations. Kumar mentioned that the Commission has established Special Polling Stations for Kashmiri migrants ahead of the Assembly elections in the UT.
“At least 26 Special Polling Stations have been set up in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur for Kashmiri migrants,” he said. He added that the cumbersome Form-M is no longer required for Jammu and Udhampur. “The decision to eliminate the need for Form-M was welcomed by all stakeholders,” the CEC noted.
Earlier in the day, the Election Commission held consultations with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain in Srinagar to review the preparations for Assembly elections. They assessed the readiness of the administration and security agencies to conduct the polls and sought feedback from the DGP on the preparedness and deployment of forces for the elections.
The discussions also covered issues related to the deployment of security personnel, providing protection to candidates, and ensuring security during the campaign period, reported officials.
