EC announces five-phase polls starting in J&K, Jharkhand

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Oct 25, 2014: The Election Commission announced the schedule for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand today.

Elections in the two states will be held in five phases on November 25, December 2, December 9, December 14 and December 20.

Counting for both states is going to be held on December 23. The Model Code of Conduct will come into effect immediately, said the EC.

The Model Code of Conduct will not affect relief work in Jammu and Kashmir and officials will distribute voter cards to those living in the state’s relief camps, assured the EC; the state had last month witnessed its worst flood in 100 years.

Among the political parties in the flood-hit state, only the ruling National Conference had opposed the elections being conducted on schedule, as the party feared that it would hamper relief work, sources told NDTV.

Party spokesperson Junaid Mattu said, "The reason we opposed the election is because people are devastated after the floods. Now that the Election Commission has declared the dates, the party will decide the future course of action."

The BJP, meanwhile, said the party was ready for the assembly elections.

"The BJP is ready for polls. We know we will win in both states. People of both states want development," said party leader Sambit Patra.

By-polls for three seats of the Delhi assembly -- Tughlakabad, Krishna Nagar and Mehrauli  -- will also be held on November 25.

The notification for the by-elections to the three assembly seats can be withdrawn in case the Lieutenant Governor or the Supreme Court dissolves the Delhi assembly before that, said sources in the EC.

Both states are sensitive from the point of view of security and law and order, said the Election Commission.

"We have identified the security requirements after discussing the issue with the authorities concerned," said Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath.

While the term of the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly ends on January 19, the term of the 81-member Jharkhand assembly expires on January 3. 

 

Courtesy: NDTV