Election Commission engages with Jammu & Kashmir parties on Lok Sabha poll preparedness

Srinagar: Political parties in Srinagar engaged with the Election Commission on Tuesday, emphasizing the necessity of holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir concurrently with the Lok Sabha polls.

The consultations, part of a two-day review of preparedness for the upcoming general elections, witnessed interactions with delegations from major parties, including the National Conference (NC), PDP, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party.

National Conference leader Nasir Aslam Wani stressed the importance of conducting assembly elections simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, stating that the separate conduct of two elections in a year would disrupt the region's economy, particularly affecting its vibrant tourism sector. The NC delegation also expressed concerns about the fairness of the elections, urging the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field.

PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura echoed the call for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, BJP leader R S Pathania accused the NC, PDP, and Congress of spreading misinformation and affirmed the BJP's readiness for simultaneous polls. Pathania also demanded the establishment of polling booths outside the Union territory to facilitate voting for the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The Election Commission officials will conduct a detailed review of election preparedness with District Election Officers and superintendents of police following the political consultations. The commission will also engage with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole and nodal officers of the state police.

A similar interaction is scheduled in Jammu on Wednesday.

The demand for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls or immediate assembly elections after the general elections has been gaining traction in Jammu and Kashmir. Former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad have raised this demand, emphasizing the need for democratic processes in the region.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo recently held a meeting to sensitize the civil and police administration about the measures for the smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory.