The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially commenced the procedure for conducting Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), marking a significant step towards reinstating democratic governance in the region.
According to Jaydeb Lahiri, Secretary of the Election Commission of India, the commission has begun accepting applications for the allotment of common symbols under Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order 1968 for the General Election to the legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
This development aligns with the earlier statement by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, expressing the imminent return of democratically-elected government in J&K, bringing hope to the people of the Union Territory.
The last Assembly election in J&K took place in 2014, resulting in the formation of a coalition government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s demise in 2016, his daughter Mehbooba Mufti succeeded him as the head of the coalition.
However, the BJP withdrew from the coalition government on June 18, 2019, prompting Mehbooba Mufti to resign as the Chief Minister. Subsequently, Governor’s Rule was imposed, followed by President’s Rule.
J&K transitioned into a Union Territory on August 5, 2019, with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. Since then, the Union Territory of J&K has been under the administration of the Lieutenant Governor.
This move by the Election Commission signifies a significant step towards restoring democratic governance and political stability in Jammu & Kashmir.
