Overruling the National Conference government’s reservations, the Election Commission (EC) announced on Saturday that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Jharkhand, will go to the polls in five phases — on November 25, and December 2, 9, 14 and 20.
The counting of votes will take place on December 23 to enable the new governments in the two States to be sworn in before January 3 in Jharkhand and January 19 in Jammu and Kashmir.
By-elections
The EC also announced by-elections to three Assembly seats in Delhi on November 25.
Acknowledging that “one political party” had sought a postponement in view of the unprecedented floods in the State, Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath said the Commission made two visits to Jammu and Kashmir. The Commission spoke to all stakeholders as well as those responsible for holding the polls and concluded that it was possible to hold elections at this stage.
Asked whether an adequate number of voters would be able to access polling booths, given that large swathes of the State were devastated by floods, Mr. Sampath said: “In Jammu and Kashmir, it is very difficult to make a guess. But we were told it would not have any special impact.”
For the Congress, which shares power in both the States, the elections will be a fresh test after its resounding defeat in Maharashtra and Haryana.
The BJP will be looking to add the two States to its kitty.
