EC announces assembly polls, all eyes on Jammu and Kashmir

After much anticipation, the Election Commission of India in the morning announced that it would be holding a press conference on the upcoming General Elections to Legislative Assemblies. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar along with other Election Commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sandhu would address the media at 3pm in Vigyan Bhawan. While the states were not announced, speculations began. The tenure of the current legislative assemblies of Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand and soon thereafter even of Delhi and Bihar are set to expire.

However, all eyes were on Jammu and Kashmir. The terror-stricken, northern-most state of India has not had an assembly election for the last ten years and has seen a lot of administrative changes since the abrogation of Article 370 and the separation of Ladakh in 2019.

The last elections were in 2014, held over 5 phases in November and December and it recorded an impressive voter turnout of over 65%. No party could get a majority and surprisingly, Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP forged a post-poll alliance with the former becoming the Chief Minister. Expectedly, the alliance broke down and Mufti resigned in June 2018. Since then, the state has been under the administrative control of the Central govt, currently led by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

While initially, the BJP-led Central government with the revocation of special status of J&K, also bifurcated the state into two union territories, the decision was overturned by a Supreme Court ruling. In Dec 2023, the top court upheld the abrogation of Art 370 but restored statehood for J&K and directed elections before Sept 2024.

A month ago, another major decision was taken, particularly keeping in view the anticipated elections. Some amendments were made to the Reorganization Act which bestowed greater powers on the LG. Transaction of Business of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir govt (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024, came into force that enhanced the LG’s discretion in various administrative domains, especially with regard to the Police, Public Order, All India Service, Anti-Corruption Bureau and for the appointment or transfer of key officials, among others. The changes marked a landmark shift in the state administration and strengthened centre’s control.  

The demands to restore the electoral process in the Valley were growing particularly by the Opposition, led by the state parties National Conference (NC) and PDP. Today, the Election Commission did not disappoint and elections were announced for J&K, along with Haryana. NC leader and former state CM, Omar Abdulla called the decision, “Better late than never.”

The EC in the press conference expressed happiness over the historic participation by J&K in the General Elections of 2024, where it recorded more than 58% turnout, highest in the last three decades, and overall elections were conducted peacefully with no re-polls. As CEC Rajiv Kumar stated, the long queues of voters were a testament to the will and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to write their own destiny. Based on this, the EC felt was encouraged to hold state elections in all 90 seats of the state assembly. A couple of days back, the election body also held a meeting with Union Home Secretary regarding the security situation.

Around 11,800 Polling Stations will be setup for this massive exercise involving more than 8 million voters. People will be able to vote in an atmosphere free of fear or intimidation as a comprehensive assessment was done of the security situation.

The state will go to polls over 3 phases, the shortest duration in two decades, with elections on Sept 18, Sept 25, and Oct 1. The counting will take place on Friday, 4^th October.

While the election heat has just begun and a lot will happen in the coming two months, it is nonetheless a big news. These elections were much awaited and will be a landmark in the state’s journey, first since the abrogation of Article 370. It will also be a true test of India’s security preparedness and democratic credentials.