Ballot Is Answer to Disruptors, Says Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar affirmed on Thursday that the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will proceed as planned despite attempts by certain forces to disrupt the process. Kumar emphasized that “the ballot is the answer to such forces” and reassured that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is prepared to conduct a free and fair election.

Addressing election observers for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, Kumar stated, “We briefed election observers today, including General, Police, and Expenditure Observers from several states. They were instructed to be available to political parties and candidates to address any grievances and ensure adherence to election rules.”

Kumar noted that there is significant global attention on the Jammu and Kashmir elections and highlighted the ECI’s readiness to counter any fake narratives. He praised the high voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections and expressed confidence that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will participate actively in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, covering 90 constituencies. The previous assembly elections in the region were conducted in 2014. Voting for the first phase, which will cover 24 constituencies, is scheduled for September 18. Candidates have until August 27 to submit their nominations, with scrutiny on August 28 and the final withdrawal date on August 30.

Haryana’s assembly elections are set for October 1, with results for both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana to be counted on October 4. The notification for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly elections was issued on Monday, marking a key milestone in the 2024 electoral process.