A delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to assess preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation includes Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
The ECI’s review involves meetings with various stakeholders, including local officials and political party leaders. This visit comes as part of broader preparations for upcoming state assembly elections across India.
The ECI had earlier announced the initiation of preparations for state assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, with electoral rolls being updated for these states in anticipation of elections before the existing legislative assemblies’ terms end.
In a press conference, CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted the high voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a positive sign of democratic engagement. He expressed eagerness to advance the assembly election process in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi called for early assembly elections, noting that the party is ready but has concerns regarding security and the election’s phasing.
