Srinagar, August 8: The Election Commission of India (ECI) team, spearheaded by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, has landed in Srinagar for a critical two-day visit to address the long-overdue assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Accompanied by Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the delegation’s visit marks a pivotal step toward the electoral process.
On August 8, the ECI team is scheduled to meet with representatives from six major political parties—National Conference, PDP, Congress, BJP, CPI(M), and Panthers Party—at 11 a.m. to gather their input on the upcoming elections.
Later in the day, discussions will extend to Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from the 20 districts within the Union Territory. The evening will see the team convening with Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole and other key election officials.
The following day, August 9, the delegation will meet Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dullo and the Director General of Police. Their visit will conclude with a trip to Jammu, where they will confer with security agencies. A press conference will follow in Jammu to provide an overview of the discussions held during the visit.
This visit is timely, as it aligns with the Supreme Court’s deadline of September 30 for conducting the elections. With the last assembly elections taking place in 2014 and President’s rule in effect since June 2018, political parties are actively advocating for the restoration of statehood and the prompt scheduling of elections.
