Are Jammu And Kashmir Poll Dates Exceeding Supreme Court Deadline? Election Body Chief Reacts

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar underscored that there is no delay in announcing the poll dates for Jammu and Kashmir despite crossing the September 30 deadline set by the Supreme Court. The elections will take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the votes being counted on October 4.

This decision follows the Supreme Court’s order rejecting petitions challenging the revocation of Kashmir’s special status and setting a deadline of September 30 for holding the polls. Rajiv Kumar emphasized that the timing of the elections takes into account various factors, including the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra on August 19 and the parliamentary polls ending in early June, followed by the Amarnath Ji Yatra.

He stressed that the elections are commencing and will be completed within the required time frame. Moreover, the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019 led to its division into two federally-administered territories.

Nearly 9 million people are registered to vote for the 90-member legislative assembly, with the territory witnessing its highest turnout in 35 years during the parliamentary elections earlier in the year. Amid concerns about security threats, Rajiv Kumar assured that measures will be taken to address potential risks to candidates.

He also highlighted the region’s significance during the festival season, stating that the timing of the elections aligns with the various cultural and agricultural activities in Jammu and Kashmir.