NewsX Exclusive: Decision on Jammu-Kashmir Assembly Elections Likely In March

The Election Commission’s initial officials, led by Chief Rajiv Kumar, have scheduled a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the feasibility of conducting the Lok Sabha election in the UT. According to sources, the visit is slated for March 12th and 13th, 2024.

During the Chief Election Commissioner’s two-day visit, meetings are planned with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, top officials of the state administration and police, as well as the State Chief Electoral Officer. Additionally, there will be discussions with various political parties in J&K.

The poll panel could also assess the feasibility of holding Assembly polls in JK in view of the deadline set by the Supreme Court.

Earlier on December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir before September 30. The Supreme Court made this statement when issuing its ruling on the legality of the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

During the verdict announcement, the Constitution bench emphasized that direct elections constitute a crucial aspect of democracy and cannot be denied. Additionally, the Supreme Court asserted that Jammu and Kashmir lacks internal sovereignty distinct from that of other states.

Informing that since June 19, 2018, Jammu and Kashmir has been devoid of any elected government, following the withdrawal of support by the BJP from the Mehbooba Mufti-led administration, citing a worsening security environment in the former state.

There must not be any negotiation to highlight that the Election Commission of India has sanctioned 635 paramilitary force companies for deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, along with 57 in Ladakh, for overseeing the elections across the six Lok Sabha seats in these two Union Territories, formerly part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.