Omar Abdullah, vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday (Oct 11), after receiving letters of support from several political parties and independent representatives in the Indian Union Territory.

Omar Abdullah, vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday (Oct 11), after receiving letters of support from several political parties and independent representatives in the Indian Union Territory. Abdullah submitted these letters during the meeting and asked the lieutenant governor to schedule a date for the swearing-in ceremony. "I met the lieutenant governor at Raj Bhavan and submitted the support letters from the National Conference, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI (M), and independent candidates. I requested him to fix a date so that the elected members can take their oaths and the elected government can start functioning," said Omar Abdullah. Abdullah, who was elected from both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies in Kashmir, mentioned that the process for the oath ceremony would take some time, as the situation isn't a straightforward transfer of power between elected governments. Jammu would not be 'ignored' under the new government "Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union territory, which means Central rule is in place. The lieutenant governor has to prepare the documents and send them to Rashtrapati Bhavan first. From there, they will go to the home ministry. After the home ministry completes its process, the documents will be returned. We have been informed that this will take about two to three days," he explained. Also read: Air India flight with 141 passengers lands safely after mid-air emergency Abdullah added, "If it happens before Tuesday, we will have the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday." He also assured that Jammu would not be "ignored" under the new government. This marks the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since 2018 when the governor's rule was enforced following the BJP's decision to withdraw support from then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. It will also be the first government formed after the abrogation of Article 370 and the delimitation of constituencies in the region. In the recent assembly elections, the alliance between the National Conference and the Indian National Congress secured 48 seats. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 29 seats. The elections, the first in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, took place on September 18, September 25, and October 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Omar Abdullah stakes claim to form Jammu and Kashmir government, seeks swearing-in date from LG

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented public participation in the recently conducted assembly election. The assembly election was conducted after ten long years and was held in three phases. The overall&nbsp;voting percentage of the three phases was recorded at 63.45 per cent. In&nbsp;the first phase of voting, the percentage was 61.38 per cent, in the second phase it was 57.31 per cent while in the third and final phase percentage was 68.72.

The poll panel called the exercise ‘historic’ with no re-polls and overall voting beating Lok Sabha elections 2024 numbers. This was also the first assembly election in the UT after the abrogation of special status under Article 370 in August 2019.

One of the most important candidates in this election is former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, for whom it is a battle of prestige. Omar is contesting from two seats - Budgam and Ganderbal. Omar Abdullah&nbsp;losing the recently held parliamentary elections from the Baramulla constituency has put a question mark on his political career. His losing the seat to Engineer Rashid has jolted his confidence, and that is why he has been forced to fight from both Ganderbal and Budgam seats, which are considered National Conference strongholds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:302,&quot;w&quot;:565,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2139}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-die-till-pm-modi-removed-from-power-congress-president-kharge-after-falling-ill-762973">PM Modi speaks to Congress President Kharge after he falls ill during J&amp;K rally</a>

The other prominent names in this assembly elections are Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, who is fighting her first election from a PDP's Bastion seat of Bijbehara. Iltija is also under tremendous pressure to continue the Mufti Legacy in Politics. Other names include Sajad Gani Lone of the People's Conference, Ravindra Raina of BJP, Muzaffar Hussain Beig as Independent, Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Congress, Raman Bhalla of Congress, and Tara Chand.

Since the election was announced, the whole Union territory turned into a festive mode. Campaigning by every political party was done in every nook and corner of the UT. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Opposition Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, all the big leaders were seen campaigning for their parties during the assembly elections. Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, Ravindra Raina, Tariq Hameed Qarra, and Iltija Mufti were campaigning aggressively in every part of the UT.

Witnessing continuous attacks and ambushes in the Jammu region in recent months, security was one of the major concerns for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Areas close to the Line of Control and International Border were put on high alert, and a three-tier security system was put in place around every polling booth in the region. There was zero violence recorded across the three phases of the assembly elections. An additional 300 companies of Paramilitary forces were posted in Jammu and Kashmir during the election.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:657,&quot;w&quot;:683,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2494}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-three-generations-indias-home-minister-dares-rivals-to-restore-article-370-in-jammu-kashmir-762289">‘Your three generations...,’ India’s home minister dares rivals to restore Article 370 in Jammu-Kashmir</a> 
&nbsp; 
Every politician as well as the locals are waiting for October 8, the day the results would be announced. As the elections saw unprecedented participation of the people, now the eagerness is about who will win. This election also witnessed forty-four per cent of independent candidates in the fray and people had a huge bouquet of politicians to choose from. It was for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir elections that such a huge number of independent candidates participated.

The election and results this time are so unpredictable that no one knows who will be celebrating when the EVM boxes will be opened, and counting will start. Will it be a national political party like Congress or BJP, or a regional party like NC or PDP? There is no one that can predict the victory and losses this time.

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented public participation in the recently conducted assembly election. The assembly election was conducted after ten long years and was held in three phases.

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented public participation in the recently conducted assembly election. The assembly election was conducted after ten long years and was held in three phases. The overall voting percentage of the three phases was recorded at 63.45 per cent. In the first phase of voting, the percentage was 61.38 per cent, in the second phase it was 57.31 per cent while in the third and final phase percentage was 68.72. The poll panel called the exercise ‘historic’ with no re-polls and overall voting beating Lok Sabha elections 2024 numbers. This was also the first assembly election in the UT after the abrogation of special status under Article 370 in August 2019. One of the most important candidates in this election is former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, for whom it is a battle of prestige. Omar is contesting from two seats - Budgam and Ganderbal. Omar Abdullah losing the recently held parliamentary elections from the Baramulla constituency has put a question mark on his political career. His losing the seat to Engineer Rashid has jolted his confidence, and that is why he has been forced to fight from both Ganderbal and Budgam seats, which are considered National Conference strongholds. Also read | PM Modi speaks to Congress President Kharge after he falls ill during J&K rally The other prominent names in this assembly elections are Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, who is fighting her first election from a PDP's Bastion seat of Bijbehara. Iltija is also under tremendous pressure to continue the Mufti Legacy in Politics. Other names include Sajad Gani Lone of the People's Conference, Ravindra Raina of BJP, Muzaffar Hussain Beig as Independent, Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Congress, Raman Bhalla of Congress, and Tara Chand. Since the election was announced, the whole Union territory turned into a festive mode. Campaigning by every political party was done in every nook and corner of the UT. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Opposition Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, all the big leaders were seen campaigning for their parties during the assembly elections. Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, Ravindra Raina, Tariq Hameed Qarra, and Iltija Mufti were campaigning aggressively in every part of the UT. Witnessing continuous attacks and ambushes in the Jammu region in recent months, security was one of the major concerns for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Areas close to the Line of Control and International Border were put on high alert, and a three-tier security system was put in place around every polling booth in the region. There was zero violence recorded across the three phases of the assembly elections. An additional 300 companies of Paramilitary forces were posted in Jammu and Kashmir during the election. Also read | ‘Your three generations...,’ India’s home minister dares rivals to restore Article 370 in Jammu-Kashmir Every politician as well as the locals are waiting for October 8, the day the results would be announced. As the elections saw unprecedented participation of the people, now the eagerness is about who will win. This election also witnessed forty-four per cent of independent candidates in the fray and people had a huge bouquet of politicians to choose from. It was for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir elections that such a huge number of independent candidates participated. The election and results this time are so unpredictable that no one knows who will be celebrating when the EVM boxes will be opened, and counting will start. Will it be a national political party like Congress or BJP, or a regional party like NC or PDP? There is no one that can predict the victory and losses this time.

J&K witnesses historic assembly elections with huge public participation

Over a hundred candidates from various political parties and Independents filed nominations on Tuesday in various districts for the first phase of assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference, Congress, PDP, and BJP leaders were seen carrying huge rallies towards the nomination centres.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah accompanied senior leader of National Conference Altaf Kaloo as he filed his nomination for the upcoming assembly election from Pahalgam constituency. Hundreds of people rallied behind the leaders as they walked towards the RO's office. JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah joined senior leader Hasnain Masoodi as he officially filed his nomination for the Pampore constituency.

The National Conference also released the second list of candidates, which included party vice president Omar Abdullah. Omar will be fighting from the Ganderbal constituency.

"Today is the last day to file nominations for the first phase. We have given our manifesto and roadmap. We have decided on a seat-sharing agreement with Congress. We aim to fight against the BJP like a consolidated front. Those who could not get the ticket due to the pre-poll alliance from our party will be adjusted in future,'' said Omar Abdullah.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti accompanied her daughter Iltija Mufti, who filed her nomination from the Bijbehara Constituency. Iltija will be fighting the election&nbsp;for the first time while Mehbooba Mufti is likely to stay away and not contest herself.

''This is a big honour for me that I have been asked to file papers for the Bijbehara Constituency. This is the constituency where Veeri Saab has done phenomenal work in his four terms that he has been chosen and Mehbooba Ji also started her career from here and today is a very emotional day for me and I am very honoured. It was a very emotional moment for me, and I was missing Mufti Saab a lot,'' said Iltija Mufti.

In a big development, the former Jamaat Islami members have also started filing their nominations. Jamaat Islami was banned by the Home Ministry but now its former members have started coming into mainstream to fight assembly elections. In South Kashmir's Kulgam District, Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a former member of Jamaat-e-Islami, filed his nomination for the Devsar Assembly constituency.

''There was a lot of injustice here. Last year, my two nephews were arrested, and despite seeking help from many leaders, no one helped. At that time, I decided to serve the people. There was fear of rigging in the parliamentary elections, but it didn’t happen, which gave me the courage to contest. That was the time I decided to fight, and I will make sure to win. I was associated with Jamaat because I used to attend their functions,'' said Nazir Ahmad Bhat.

However, Omar Abdullah took a dig at Jamaat and said that till now contesting elections was “haram” for the JeI, but now it's “halal”. “If they are willing to contest polls it's a welcome step. We wanted them to contest on their own symbol, but that didn’t happen due to its ban,” he added.

Jammu and Kashmir is going to polls in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be on October 4.

Over a hundred candidates from various political parties and Independents filed nominations on Tuesday in various districts for the first phase of assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Over a hundred candidates from various political parties and Independents filed nominations on Tuesday in various districts for the first phase of assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference, Congress, PDP, and BJP leaders were seen carrying huge rallies towards the nomination centres. Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah accompanied senior leader of National Conference Altaf Kaloo as he filed his nomination for the upcoming assembly election from Pahalgam constituency. Hundreds of people rallied behind the leaders as they walked towards the RO's office. JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah joined senior leader Hasnain Masoodi as he officially filed his nomination for the Pampore constituency. The National Conference also released the second list of candidates, which included party vice president Omar Abdullah. Omar will be fighting from the Ganderbal constituency. "Today is the last day to file nominations for the first phase. We have given our manifesto and roadmap. We have decided on a seat-sharing agreement with Congress. We aim to fight against the BJP like a consolidated front. Those who could not get the ticket due to the pre-poll alliance from our party will be adjusted in future,'' said Omar Abdullah. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti accompanied her daughter Iltija Mufti, who filed her nomination from the Bijbehara Constituency. Iltija will be fighting the election for the first time while Mehbooba Mufti is likely to stay away and not contest herself. ''This is a big honour for me that I have been asked to file papers for the Bijbehara Constituency. This is the constituency where Veeri Saab has done phenomenal work in his four terms that he has been chosen and Mehbooba Ji also started her career from here and today is a very emotional day for me and I am very honoured. It was a very emotional moment for me, and I was missing Mufti Saab a lot,'' said Iltija Mufti. In a big development, the former Jamaat Islami members have also started filing their nominations. Jamaat Islami was banned by the Home Ministry but now its former members have started coming into mainstream to fight assembly elections. In South Kashmir's Kulgam District, Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a former member of Jamaat-e-Islami, filed his nomination for the Devsar Assembly constituency. ''There was a lot of injustice here. Last year, my two nephews were arrested, and despite seeking help from many leaders, no one helped. At that time, I decided to serve the people. There was fear of rigging in the parliamentary elections, but it didn’t happen, which gave me the courage to contest. That was the time I decided to fight, and I will make sure to win. I was associated with Jamaat because I used to attend their functions,'' said Nazir Ahmad Bhat. However, Omar Abdullah took a dig at Jamaat and said that till now contesting elections was “haram” for the JeI, but now it's “halal”. “If they are willing to contest polls it's a welcome step. We wanted them to contest on their own symbol, but that didn’t happen due to its ban,” he added. Jammu and Kashmir is going to polls in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be on October 4.

Over hundred file nominations for J&K polls on last day; former members of banned Jamaat Islami in race

India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Saturday (March 16) announced that the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir would be conducted after the Lok Sabha elections.

"We are yet to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The way for conducting legal elections has opened since December 23. This is March, and there is snowfall in the region, hence the question of holding elections does not arise at this point," Kumar was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.

"We (ECI) went to Jammu and Kashmir and were asked by all the political parties there to hold the state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls. After that, we held administrative meetings wherein it was discussed that a lot of security forces would be required to conduct state assembly election with Lok Sabha election in J-K," he said.

"All political parties asked the ECI to conduct an assembly election with Lok Sabha polls, but security agencies advised us that it would not be possible to provide security as there was a need for the deployment of huge security forces. But we are seriously thinking of conducting polls in JK after the Lok Sabha polls. JK will be the first state to go in the election after the Lok Sabha polls," he said.

He further said that the ECI is "seriously" looking into conducting the elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking about the high-level committee submitting its report on the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Kumar said that the ECI would conduct elections according to the constitutional provisions.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: CEC Rajiv Kumar explains over not conducting Parliamentary &amp; Assembly polls together in J&amp;K; says, "During our recent visit to Srinagar and Jammu, the J&amp;K Administration told us that two elections can't be held at the same time due to more security requirements.… <a href="https://t.co/xfzVt7hKxY">pic.twitter.com/xfzVt7hKxY</a>
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&nbsp;

"There is a provision in the Constitution for conducting elections. Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India states that the House of the People will continue for five years from the date of its first meeting. There is a clause in Section 14 of the RP Act, 1951 that elections for the Parliament be must held six months before the end of the Assembly. As long as this article is there in the Constitution and there are provisions for People's Representation and People's Act, our job is to conduct elections according to them," Kumar said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule</a>

<h2>'How is security alright for parliamentary polls and not state elections,' questions Farooq Abdullah</h2>

National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah, expressed dismay over ECI's decision to not conduct Parliamentary and Assembly polls simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said that the poll body on one hand was planning on conducting Assembly polls in four states that would be coinciding with Lok Sabha elections but J&amp;K was denied this opportunity.

"On one side the Govt of India wanted One Nation, One Election and on the other side, they are holding State elections and parliamentary elections in four states, why is this (J-K) being denied? When every party wanted elections (in J-K) then what is the reason it is not being done?," news agency ANI quoted Abdullah as saying.

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&nbsp;

Abdullah, further questioning the observations made by Kumar, said, "If they say security is the reason, I do not think so. How is that security is alright for the parliamentary elections and not for the state elections?"

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Saturday (March 16) announced that the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir would be conducted after the Lok Sabha elections.

India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Saturday (March 16) announced that the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir would be conducted after the Lok Sabha elections. "We are yet to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The way for conducting legal elections has opened since December 23. This is March, and there is snowfall in the region, hence the question of holding elections does not arise at this point," Kumar was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI. "We (ECI) went to Jammu and Kashmir and were asked by all the political parties there to hold the state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls. After that, we held administrative meetings wherein it was discussed that a lot of security forces would be required to conduct state assembly election with Lok Sabha election in J-K," he said. "All political parties asked the ECI to conduct an assembly election with Lok Sabha polls, but security agencies advised us that it would not be possible to provide security as there was a need for the deployment of huge security forces. But we are seriously thinking of conducting polls in JK after the Lok Sabha polls. JK will be the first state to go in the election after the Lok Sabha polls," he said. He further said that the ECI is "seriously" looking into conducting the elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the Lok Sabha polls. Speaking about the high-level committee submitting its report on the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Kumar said that the ECI would conduct elections according to the constitutional provisions. #WATCH | Delhi: CEC Rajiv Kumar explains over not conducting Parliamentary & Assembly polls together in J&K; says, "During our recent visit to Srinagar and Jammu, the J&K Administration told us that two elections can't be held at the same time due to more security requirements.… pic.twitter.com/xfzVt7hKxY — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2024 × "There is a provision in the Constitution for conducting elections. Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India states that the House of the People will continue for five years from the date of its first meeting. There is a clause in Section 14 of the RP Act, 1951 that elections for the Parliament be must held six months before the end of the Assembly. As long as this article is there in the Constitution and there are provisions for People's Representation and People's Act, our job is to conduct elections according to them," Kumar said. Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule 'How is security alright for parliamentary polls and not state elections,' questions Farooq Abdullah National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah, expressed dismay over ECI's decision to not conduct Parliamentary and Assembly polls simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said that the poll body on one hand was planning on conducting Assembly polls in four states that would be coinciding with Lok Sabha elections but J&K was denied this opportunity. "On one side the Govt of India wanted One Nation, One Election and on the other side, they are holding State elections and parliamentary elections in four states, why is this (J-K) being denied? When every party wanted elections (in J-K) then what is the reason it is not being done?," news agency ANI quoted Abdullah as saying. #WATCH | On the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah says, "On one side the Govt of India wanted One Nation, One Election and on the other side, they are holding State elections and parliamentary elections in 4 states, why is this… pic.twitter.com/zwZDWOL6By — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2024 × Abdullah, further questioning the observations made by Kumar, said, "If they say security is the reason, I do not think so. How is that security is alright for the parliamentary elections and not for the state elections?" (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir to be held after Lok Sabha polls, announces CEC Rajiv Kumar

The Election Commission on&nbsp;Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year.

In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year".

Jammu and Kashmir do not have an elected dispensation since the PDP-BJP coalition government fell apart in June 2018.

The state was placed under Governor's Rule, as provided by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, on June 19, 2018, after the BJP withdrew from its coalition with the PDP.&nbsp;

As mandated by the Constitution, the state was brought under President's Rule on December 19, 2018. The term of the central rule ends on June 19 which is set to be extended.&nbsp;

"The Commission will keep on regularly, and on real-time basis, monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, taking inputs from all necessary quarters and after the conclusion of Amarnath Yatra will announce the election schedule for the conduct of assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir," the statement said.

The 46-day-long Amarnath yatra will begin on July 1, the day of Masik Shivratri, and would conclude on August 15, the day of Shravan Purnima.&nbsp;

In April, when representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir government had met the EC here, they had indicated their reluctance of holding polls to the state legislative assembly in the near future in view of the ongoing tourist season and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in the Valley, which will begin on July 1.

The EC, during the meeting, rejected had the assertion of the officials from Jammu and Kashmir that the situation in the state needs to be assessed before conducting the assembly polls.

The Commission was of the view that if the Lok Sabha polls could be held, there should be no issue in holding the elections to the state assembly.

The April meeting between J&amp;K officials and EC top brass had taken place days after the three special observers appointed by the EC submitted their report on the possibility of holding assembly polls in the state after the Lok Sabha polls.

When the dates for the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the poll panel had decided against holding parliamentary and assembly polls simultaneously in the state.

It had said that the situation in J&amp;K was not conducive for holding assembly polls. The Lok Sabha polls were held by and large peacefully in the state though the turnout of voters was low.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year.

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year. In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year". Jammu and Kashmir do not have an elected dispensation since the PDP-BJP coalition government fell apart in June 2018. The state was placed under Governor's Rule, as provided by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, on June 19, 2018, after the BJP withdrew from its coalition with the PDP. As mandated by the Constitution, the state was brought under President's Rule on December 19, 2018. The term of the central rule ends on June 19 which is set to be extended. "The Commission will keep on regularly, and on real-time basis, monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, taking inputs from all necessary quarters and after the conclusion of Amarnath Yatra will announce the election schedule for the conduct of assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir," the statement said. The 46-day-long Amarnath yatra will begin on July 1, the day of Masik Shivratri, and would conclude on August 15, the day of Shravan Purnima. In April, when representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir government had met the EC here, they had indicated their reluctance of holding polls to the state legislative assembly in the near future in view of the ongoing tourist season and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in the Valley, which will begin on July 1. The EC, during the meeting, rejected had the assertion of the officials from Jammu and Kashmir that the situation in the state needs to be assessed before conducting the assembly polls. The Commission was of the view that if the Lok Sabha polls could be held, there should be no issue in holding the elections to the state assembly. The April meeting between J&K officials and EC top brass had taken place days after the three special observers appointed by the EC submitted their report on the possibility of holding assembly polls in the state after the Lok Sabha polls. When the dates for the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the poll panel had decided against holding parliamentary and assembly polls simultaneously in the state. It had said that the situation in J&K was not conducive for holding assembly polls. The Lok Sabha polls were held by and large peacefully in the state though the turnout of voters was low.

Jammu and Kashmir polls likely later this year; Election Commission to announce schedule after Amarnath Yatra