EC to take final call after Centre, state submit ground report
JAMMU: The Election Commission is yet to take a final call on whether bypoll to the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, scheduled on May 25, will be held as per schedule or not. The Jammu and Kashmir government and the Union home ministry had to submit a ground report to the EC on Friday.
Based on the report, the EC will now take a call on the plausibility of holding the polls.
After the April 9 bypoll to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat was marred by widespread violence, killing eight people and injuring many, the EC had postponed the Anantnag Lok Sabha bypoll from April 12 to May 25.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, chief electoral officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Shantmanu said, “The ECI has not taken a final call as yet. A ground report about the situation in Kashmir is expected this (Friday) evening from the Union home ministry and the state government. Subsequently, a final call could be taken by Monday.”
He informed that while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had approached the EC with a plea to postpone the Anantnag bypoll indefinitely, the Congress and the National Conference maintained a neutral stand.
“They (Congress and National Conference), had said that maintaining law and order is the state government’s responsibility and that a peaceful atmosphere is required for conducting the polls,” the CEO said.
When asked about the security preparedness in backdrop of the violence marred Srinagar bypoll, Shantmanu said the state government has projected a demand of 675 companies of paramilitary forces, primarily from the CRPF, for the Anantnag bypoll, as and when they take place. On an average, a company comprise 100 personnel.
“More troops will be deployed for Anantnag. At least one platoon comprising three sections of around 26 personnel shall be deployed in one polling location,” he said.
On the impending panchayat polls in the state, he said even though his department is ready with the revised electoral rolls, but conducting the polls in the prevailing situation isn’t wise.