Appropriate Time to Hold Assembly Polls but will review security before making decision: CEC Rajiv Kumar
*Appropriate Time to Hold Assembly Polls but will review security before making decision: CEC Rajiv Kumar*
*”Our commitment is to conduct elections as soon as possible, Drug misuse in J&K a major concern; action is being taken; All polling stations will be under CCTV coverage; Security situation an issue, but no leniency will be allowed; will review security situation separately after Amarnath Yatra; will not let any terror activity disrupt the election process”*
Srinagar, Aug 09 : Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Rajiv Kumar on Friday said that appropriate time has come to hold assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
CEC Rajiv Kumar was addressing a press conference at Jammu after meeting stakeholders from J&K adminstration and Political Parties during two day visit.
“We believe the timing is right for elections, but we’ll return to Delhi to reassess the security situation, especially with the Supreme Court’s deadline in mind,” said CEC Rajiv Kumar. “We’ll evaluate all aspects and then announce our decision on holding the polls.”
Stressing on urgency of holding elections, Rajiv said that their commitment is to conduct the elections as soon as possible, and are confident that the people will respond strongly against any attempts to disrupt the election process.
On recent Lok Sabha elections, Rajiv said that now is the moment to advance the hopes of the people of J&K, demonstrated by their overwhelming participation in the Lok Sabha elections. The time has come to fulfill the aspirations of the people who have upheld the values of democracy.
On the demands of political parties, he said that political parties collectively called for assembly elections, with some requesting a level playing field. “We will ensure that the security of political leaders is maintained to allow a fair and free election environment.”
Addressing the critical issue of drug misuse in J&K, Rajiv said that the drug issue in J&K is alarming; and they cannot allow a whole generation to jeopardize their future. “We’re taking this matter very seriously, and I have been informed that actions are already underway.”
Regarding election security, Rajiv said that CCTV coverage will be provided at all polling stations, as requested by the political parties. “We’ll ensure a fair environment for all parties, and the security of leaders will be carefully reviewed. There will be no unauthorized filming of polling stations.”
He also clarified the process for election rallies: “All rallies will require online approval. We have explicitly instructed all DCs and SSPs to remain impartial and unbiased. Anyone found to be acting otherwise will be held accountable.”
Expressing optimism for the upcoming elections, Rajiv said that they see elections as a festival, and given the enthusiasm shown during the Lok Sabha polls in J&K, they believe the assembly elections will be an even larger celebration. No one should be allowed to derail this process.
He added that all stakeholders, including political parties and security agencies, are aligned.
“Every political party has urged for the elections to be held as soon as possible. The agencies have assured us they are prepared for the polls, even though challenges exist. Security is a concern, but we will not compromise on measures to ensure a peaceful and smooth election.”
Regarding the Amarnath Yatra, Rajiv said that with the Amarnath Yatra concluding soon, they need to separately assess the security situation for the assembly elections. “We will conduct this review upon our return to Delhi and make decisions accordingly.”
“There are some positive challenges, such as the eagerness of the people for elections. We are determined to hold the polls, and our goal is to translate the enthusiasm shown in the Lok Sabha elections into reality”, he added.
On potential security threats, Rajiv said that they are prepared to handle any threats to the election process. “Our forces and the entire administration are fully capable of managing any challenges that may arise”, he added.(KNS)
