Decision on simultaneous Assembly, Parliament polls in J&K after thorough security review: CEC Rajiv Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday remained non committal on simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in J&K, saying “the final decision will be taken after thorough consultations with the security agencies and political parties”.  

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday remained non committal on simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in J&K, saying “the final decision will be taken after thorough consultations with the security agencies and political parties”.    

“Majority of political parties we met in Srinagar and Jammu demanded that Assembly and Lok Sabha polls be held simultaneously. We will take a final call after a thorough security review and consultations with the political parties. We want early Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in J&K,” CEC Kumar, who held meetings in Srinagar and Jammu during a two-day visit of J&K, said.

Mr. Kumar said the Election Commission of India (ECI) was “committed towards holding polls here and in the country peacefully and with maximum participation”.

“We are fully prepared for the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls scheduled to be held this year,” Mr. Kumar said.

Mr. Kumar-led ECI team met representatives of national and regional parties in J&K in the past two days, which included BJP, CPI(M), Indian National Congress, National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, J&K Apni Party etc. 

“The parties demanded completely fair and transparent elections. Some parties were of the opinion that the administration can act unilaterally, hence a level playing field should be ensured,” Mr. Kumar said.

He said there was a demand from some political parties that arrangements should be made for the migrants (including Pandits) wherever they are so that they should be made to vote properly, their voting percentage is usually low.