Start preparations for assembly elections in J&K: CEO tells DEOs

Srinagar, Jun 27: In a significant development, Jammu & Kashmir’s Chief Electoral Officer has written to the district election officers (DEOs) to start the activities listed in the Election Commission of India’s election planner for holding assembly polls in the Union Territory.

Quoting an official letter, news agency KNO reported that the CEO has written to all 20 deputy commissioners, who are also the district election officers, to begin the activities to be undertaken as the “election planner” communicated by the ECI.

“As you are aware that the process of conducting elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir has been set in motion by Election Commission of India by issuing schedule for summary revision of electoral roll vide its letter No: 23/2024-ERS(vol.III) dated 20-06-2024. I am accordingly directing you to get started the activities envisaged in the election planner communicated by Election Commission of India vide letter No: 464/INST/2022-EPS dated 27-12-2022 so that the pre-poll activities are carried out in a befitting manner and completed within stipulated time frame for successful conduct of elections to the Legislative Assembly,” reads the letter by CEO’s office.

The election planner serves as a guide for preparation of different plans and activities to be carried out by the election authorities for holding an election.

On June 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that preparations have begun for holding assembly polls in J&K.  “What can be better than the people of J&K electing their representative and tackling their problems through them. That is why preparations for the assembly elections have started. The day is not far when you will elect the new government of J&K with your own vote. The day will come soon when J&K will shape its future as a state once again”, he had said.