Election Commission Initiates Dialogue with Political Parties in J&K Ahead of LS Polls
PTK News Desk
Srinagar, March 12: The Election Commission commenced consultations with political stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir to assess the readiness for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the region.
Led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the Election Commission delegation, currently on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, engaged in discussions with representatives from various political parties, including the National Conference, PDP, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and the Aam Admi Party.
Nasir Aslam Wani, representing the National Conference, emphasized the importance of conducting assembly elections concurrently with the Lok Sabha polls, citing a decade-long deprivation of democratic rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura echoed similar sentiments, advocating for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Post the political consultations, the Election Commission will conduct an extensive review of election preparedness with District Election Officers and superintendents of police.
Later today, Election Commission officials are scheduled to engage with Jammu and Kashmir’s chief electoral officer P K Pole and nodal officers of the state police. Similar interactions are planned in Jammu tomorrow.
The clamor for synchronized assembly and Lok Sabha elections or immediate assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir has gained momentum, with former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad vocally supporting this proposition in recent weeks.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting on Saturday with civil and police administrations to outline measures for ensuring the seamless conduct of the Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory.
The ongoing consultations reflect a concerted effort by the Election Commission to address the aspirations and concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the importance of democratic processes in the region’s governance.
