Election Commission Pushes for Immediate Assembly Polls in Jammu and Kashmir

The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, held multiple meetings with political parties and civil administration in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for immediate Assembly polls. The polls have been delayed since 2014, but with the Supreme Court's September 30 deadline, political leaders are pushing for timely elections to restore democracy in the region.

In a bid to expedite the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission (EC) spearheaded by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar convened a series of high-level meetings. The discussions aimed to gather feedback from political parties and civil administration regarding the imminent Assembly elections.

Representatives from major political entities, including the National Conference (NC), People's Democratic Party (PDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party (JKPP), were present at the International Convention Centre (SKICC) to voice their demand for immediate elections. The Assembly polls in the region have been pending since 2014, initially scheduled for early 2019.

The need for fresh elections has been underscored by significant political leaders who argue that democracy should be reinstated and operational governance ensured. The Election Commission has assured that the polling process will be conducted within the Supreme Court's deadline. A series of further meetings with key stakeholders are scheduled before the EC team concludes its visit on August 10.