Uncertainty to end over Assembly elections in J&K
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the schedule for the long-awaited Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly elections on Friday, potentially bringing an end to the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the restoration of democratic governance in the union territory.
The announcement is expected to lay out a clear timeline for the electoral process, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of October.
Following the elections, an elected government is expected to take office before the end of the year. This move comes in response to directives from the Supreme Court of India, which had called for the restoration of the democratic process in J&K.
Political parties across the spectrum in J&K have welcomed the decision to proceed with the Assembly elections. The regional and national parties have expressed their readiness to participate in the electoral process, highlighting the significance of returning to democratic norms.
The National Conference (NC), led by former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, has announced that it will not enter into any pre-poll alliances with other parties. Dr. Abdullah asserted that the NC is confident in its ability to form the next government independently. The party’s decision underscores its strategic approach as it prepares to contest the elections on its own terms.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), headed by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has also decided against forming any pre-poll alliances. The PDP’s stance comes in the wake of its opposition to the NC during the Lok Sabha elections. Mufti has emphasized the party’s intent to challenge the elections independently, reflecting a competitive political landscape.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not field candidates in Kashmir for the Lok Sabha elections but planned to contest the upcoming J&K Assembly elections in both the Valley and Jammu. Congress has announced its intention to field candidates across both divisions, with flexibility for pre- or post-poll alliances. Smaller parties like the Apni Party, Peoples Conference, and Panthers Party are also expected to run candidates in key constituencies.
J&K’s 90 Assembly seats include 74 general, nine reserved for ST, and seven for SC candidates. High voter turnout in the Lok Sabha polls indicates strong participation in the Assembly elections. The administration, led by the Lt Governor, faces challenges in securing election events and ensuring a fair process.
Since August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and J&K was split into two UTs, the region has been under Lt Governor’s rule following the BJP’s exit from the PDP-BJP coalition. The Centre has promised to restore statehood after the Assembly elections, and an elected government will address developmental issues. The ECI’s announcement of the election schedule will mark a significant moment in J&K’s democratic process.
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