It seems the Election Commission of India (ECI) is gearing up for a crucial visit to Jammu & Kashmir on March 12 and 13. The visit aims to review the preparedness for upcoming elections, potentially including both Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The Supreme Court’s directive to hold J&K Assembly polls by September 30, 2024, adds significance to this visit. The absence of an elected government in Jammu & Kashmir since June 2018 underscores the importance of these elections for restoring democratic governance in the region.
The deployment of paramilitary forces underscores the security concerns in the region, and the meetings with various stakeholders, including political parties and civil administration, indicate a comprehensive assessment of the situation. The ECI’s visit follows similar assessments conducted in other states, reflecting a systematic approach to election preparedness across the country.
Given the historical precedence of announcing election schedules shortly after such visits, it’s likely that the Commission will announce the poll schedule soon after its return from Jammu & Kashmir. This aligns with past practices where election schedules for the Lok Sabha have been announced in early March.
This year’s elections are significant, with nearly 97 crore eligible voters across the country. Additionally, states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh are also preparing for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, adding to the complexity and importance of the electoral process.
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