Srinagar,12-03-2024: The Election Commission has initiated consultations with political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to assess the preparedness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the region. Led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the commission officials commenced discussions with delegations from prominent parties including the National Conference, PDP, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and the Aam Admi Party. During these sessions, representatives from the political parties emphasized the importance of conducting assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir concurrently with the Lok Sabha polls, highlighting the prolonged deprivation of democratic rights for over a decade. Following these consultations, the Election Commission will conduct a comprehensive review of election readiness with District Election Officers and superintendents of police.
Additionally, the commission officials are scheduled to engage with Jammu and Kashmir’s chief electoral officer and nodal officers of the state police to further strategize for the forthcoming elections. Similar interactions are planned in Jammu on the following day. This move comes amidst escalating calls from various political quarters in Jammu and Kashmir urging the Election Commission to synchronize Assembly polls with the Lok Sabha elections or conduct them promptly after the general elections.
Former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad have echoed this sentiment in recent weeks. In anticipation of the electoral process, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a meeting with civil and police authorities to brief them on necessary measures for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory.
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