Says committed to conduct polls at the earliest
Final call on J&K Poll dates after security review
CCTV coverage & strict measures for J&K polls announced
Electoral rolls to be finalized by Aug 20
JAMMU, Aug 09: The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, on Friday reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to conducting Assembly elections in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest, stating that the “state-level review” has already been completed.
Speaking at a press conference in Jammu, the Chief Election Commissioner emphasised that the final decision on the Assembly elections in J&K would be made in Delhi after assessing various challenges and requirements necessary for the smooth conduct of the elections.
“The state-level review has been completed, and the final call for holding Assembly elections in J&K will be taken in Delhi after reviewing the security situation and the requirement of forces,” Rajiv Kumar said. He assured that the September 30th deadline set by the Supreme Court would also be kept in mind, and any disruptive forces would be given a befitting reply, as was the case during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Kumar also addressed concerns about the security challenges in J&K, stating, “Whatever the security challenges are in J&K, they won’t be a cause for delaying Assembly elections here.” He further added, “All the concerned officials in J&K have assured us that they are ready for holding Assembly elections in J&K.”
He noted that the Amarnath Yatra is concluding on August 19th, after which the security situation and forces’ requirements would be reassessed in Delhi to make the final call.
Kumar also highlighted that the Election Commission would ensure that all polling booths in J&K are under CCTV coverage during the Assembly elections and that strict action would be taken against those involved in drug trade or spreading fake news.
In a more detailed explanation of the current security situation, the CEC mentioned, “We don’t want to see a ‘chicken and egg’ situation in J&K in the wake of some terror attacks in the Jammu region. Our forces are capable of dealing with the situation. We will not allow these small attempts to derail the election process in J&K.”
He confirmed that political parties in J&K are unified in their desire for early polls. “The feedback we received from security heads, officers from the administration, and the district police chiefs is that while there are a few security challenges, they are ready for peaceful elections in J&K,” he said.
He assured that all political parties have been informed about the final publication of electoral rolls, which will be completed by August 20th, with copies provided to all parties. The CEC also responded to a demand for a level playing field and streamlining of the security cover for politicians, stating that these concerns would be addressed to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Kumar also reiterated that polling booths should not be clubbed at the last minute except for geographical reasons, and that transparency will be maintained in granting permissions for grounds and meeting places. Webcasting will be conducted at all polling stations, exceeding the ECI’s directive of 50% coverage wherever feasible.
Rajiv Kumar emphasized, “We are committed to conducting elections at the earliest, and we will not let any internal or external forces derail the election process. The people of J&K will give a befitting response to disruptive forces.”
Meanwhile, nine political parties met the Election Commission in Srinagar on Thursday, and each pushed for holding assembly polls as soon as possible.
