Most of the political parties favoured polls on time
Floods won't effect J&K Polls
New Delhi: Even though J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stressed that relief and rehabilitation should precede elections in the state, the CEC maintained that “the recent calamity will have no special impact on polls”.
The post-flood situation, along with other aspects, like climate, festivals and the law and order situation, have been taken into account while deciding the poll schedule, Mr Sampath said, adding that barring one political party, most of the political parties favoured polls on time.
“They (the political parties) said there is no reason, no justification for delaying the polls. The EC’s mandate is to hold elections on time,” added Mr Sampath.
The current six-year term of the J&K Assembly ends January 19. With the BJP having swept the recent Lok Sabha elections in Jharkhand and Jammu and Ladakh regions, the saffron party is hoping to play a key role in the formation of the next government in J&K as well.
The Omar Abdullah-led National Conference has apparently been facing a tough time in the Kashmir Valley with people targeting him for not undertaking swift relief and rescue operations during the floods.
The Opposition PDP appears to have an edge over the NC even though Mr Abdullah tweeted on Saturday that he would expose the claims of the Mehbooba Mufti-led party in the Valley.
The poll panel’s decision to announce the election dates was preceded by a two-stage verification.
( Source : dc correspondent )
Next Story
