Srinagar: The Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and accompanied by Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S.S. Sandhu concluded two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate preparations for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Jammu & Kashmir.
On the first day of the visit, the ECI engaged in extensive discussions with a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from national and state-recognized political parties. These interactions aimed to gather insights, address concerns, and encourage active participation in the electoral process.
The ECI team also reviewed poll preparations with District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police, focusing on essential administrative and security measures.
An evening session included meetings with the Chief Electoral Officer, Special Police Nodal Officer, and Central Police Forces Nodal Officer to ensure effective coordination among the various agencies involved in election management.
During the visit, several top officials from the civil and police administration, including the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police, also met with the ECI delegates.
In a highly anticipated press conference held in Jammu, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S.S. Sandhu, ECI is committed for conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the challenges and complexities involved in organizing elections in the region but assured that the ECI is fully equipped to handle them.
“Our primary goal is to ensure that every citizen in Jammu and Kashmir has the opportunity to participate in a democratic process that is both fair and secure,” Kumar said.
Kumar addressed concerns about security, particularly in light of recent militant attacks in the region. He emphasized that the ECI’s decision on election dates will be based on a comprehensive security assessment conducted in Delhi.
Despite these challenges, he assured that the ECI is committed to holding elections at the earliest possible time.
“Security forces are fully prepared to manage and address any threats,” Kumar noted. He stressed that minor attempts to disrupt the electoral process will not deter the ECI from fulfilling its mandate.
During their visit, the ECI team met with a wide range of stakeholders, including political party representatives and top officials from the civil and police administration.
Kumar highlighted that the feedback received from these meetings was overwhelmingly in favor of holding immediate assembly elections. Leaders from various parties, including the National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress, expressed a unified demand for prompt elections.
CEC Kumar acknowledged the political leaders’ call for early elections and reassured them that their concerns and demands are being taken seriously.
“We have listened to the feedback from all political parties and other stakeholders,” he said. “The ECI is working diligently to address these concerns and ensure that the election process is smooth and inclusive.”
Kumar also provided details about the ECI’s review of poll preparations. The commission has been actively engaging with District Election Officers, Superintendents of Police, and other key officials to ensure that administrative and security measures are in place.
“We have conducted thorough reviews of the poll preparations and are confident that the necessary steps are being taken to facilitate a successful electoral process,” Kumar stated.
The CEC emphasized the importance of coordination among various agencies involved in election management. He highlighted a recent meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer, Special Police Nodal Officer, and Central Police Forces Nodal Officer to ensure effective coordination and address any operational challenges.
Looking ahead, Kumar outlined the next steps in the electoral process. The ECI will continue to monitor the situation closely and work on finalizing the election dates based on the forthcoming security assessment.
“Our aim is to provide a clear timeline for the elections as soon as we are able to ensure a secure environment for voters and candidates alike,” Kumar explained.
He also addressed concerns about polling booth locations and security measures, assuring that the ECI is taking all necessary steps to address these issues. The commission has committed to ensuring that polling booths are located within a 2 km radius where possible and that adequate security measures, including CCTV coverage, are in place.
Political Leaders Demand Immediate Elections: Political leaders from J&K unanimously called for immediate assembly elections during their meetings with the ECI team. Representatives from parties including the National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress, and the Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party (JKPP) voiced their demands for prompt elections and a level playing field.
BJP spokesperson R.S. Pathania emphasized the party’s desire for elections to be conducted as soon as possible, within the Supreme Court’s deadline. NC Kashmir provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani highlighted the absence of a government in J&K since 2018 and stressed the need for elected representatives to address political, developmental, and security issues.
Congress leader G.N. Monga called for the restoration of democracy, stressing that J&K has been without elections for many years. PDP leader Khurshid Alam questioned the delay in holding polls despite claims of improved conditions and recent successful events in the region.
Wani also requested a fair and secure electoral environment, addressing concerns about the neutrality of political appointees like the Lieutenant Governor. The ECI’s visit is expected to conclude with a review of law enforcement agencies and a press conference to outline the next steps.
