An earlier ECI release stated that the terms of the current Legislative Assemblies in the three states will end on November 3, November 26, and January 5, 2025, respectively. Therefore, elections must be conducted before these terms conclude.
Srinagar: A delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, arrived in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to assess poll readiness ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory.
The delegation included Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, alongside CEC Rajiv Kumar. During their visit, the ECI team plans to engage with various stakeholders, including officials and political party leaders within the UT.
On June 21, the ECI began preparations for the forthcoming State Assembly Elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand by updating the electoral rolls as of July 1, 2024. According to an earlier ECI release, the current Legislative Assemblies in these states will conclude their terms on November 3, November 26, and January 5, 2025, respectively, necessitating elections before these dates.
The ECI has also ordered the updating of electoral rolls in J&K, noting significant voter participation in the recent Lok Sabha Elections. CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted this enthusiasm, stating, “The story of huge participation in Lok Sabha elections by people of J&K is very hopeful and inspiring, showing how eager people are to participate in democracy. People must stay peaceful and united, fulfilling their aspirations and deciding their future and governance. The Commission is excited and gratified to help make this happen and will soon start the Assembly election process in J&K.”
J&K BJP Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi expressed the party’s readiness for the elections, emphasizing the need for early polls while noting security and phasing concerns. BJP leader Rafiq Wani echoed this sentiment, expressing hope for high voter turnout similar to that of the Lok Sabha elections.
