Election Commission objects to J-K Lt Governor GC Murmu’s remarks on elections, says ‘it’s sole remit of ECI

Srinagar, (PTK): In an unprecedented move, the Election Commission of India on Tuesday raised strong objections to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor GC Murmu’s statements on election timing in the union territory.

A report appearing in The Tribune today, i.e., 28.7.2020 titled “J&K polls after delimitation” is attributed to Shri G.C. Murmu, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (LG),

J&K. Similar statements of LG were earlier reported by The Hindu dated 18.11.2019, news 18 dated 14.11.2019, Hindustan Times dated 26.6.2020 and Economie Timese (Paper) dated 28.7.202o. Election Commission takes exception to such statements

and would like to state that in the Constitutional seheme of things, the timings ete. of elections is the sole remit of Election Commission of India.

Before deciding the timing, the Commission takes into consideration all the relevant factors including topography, weather, sensitivities arising out of regional and local festivities in the area(s) where the election is to take place. For example, in the current times, Covid 19has introduced a new dynamic, which has to be and shall be taken into consideration at the due time.

In the instant case, the outeome of Delimitation is also germane to the decision. Similarly, availability of central forces and railway coaches, ete. for the transportation of CPFs are important factors.

All this is done after meticulous homework by the senior officials of the Commission anda detailed assessment in due consultation with concerned authorities. The Commission itself schedules a visit to the concerned State wherever required and holds extensive consultations with all the stakeholders. It would be proper for authorities other than Election commission to refrain from making such statements which virtualy tantamount to interfering with the Constitutional mandate of Election Commission.