Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | EC reschedules polling in J&K’s Anantnag-Rajouri seat

Voting on May 25 instead of May 7

Srinagar: Despite strong opposition by the National Conference and the PDP, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday rescheduled Lok Sabha election in Anantnag-Rajouri constituency in Jammu and Kashmir from third phase on May 7 to sixth phase on May 25.

In a statement, the ECI stated that the decision was taken after representations received from different political parties from J&K for shifting the polling date in 3-Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency.

“…. due to various logistic, communication and natural barriers of connectivity turning out as hindrance in campaigning which in turn tantamount to lack of opportunities for the contesting candidates in the said Parliamentary Constituency which may affect the poll process,” the statement reads.

The ECI said that after considering a report from the Union Territory (UT) administration and analysing the ground situation, it has been decided that under Section 56 of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 the poll date be revised.

While J&K Apni Party, J&K People’s Conference, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and the BJP had demanded postponement of the polls, the NC and People’s Democratic Party had alleged conspiracy and requested the ECI to hold the election as per schedule.

NC leader and former chief minister Omar Abdullah recently alleged that one of the reasons that the postponement was sought was to disenfranchise a big portion (Gujjar and Bakerwal) of the population, who go for migration in May.

“The pretexts will be many but the motive is the same because the parties which BJP is helping fear defeat,” he claimed.

PDP president and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from the constituency, alleged that the Election Commission is being used to defer and rig the elections.

The ongoing Lok Sabha election is the first major poll in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Mughal road, which connects Rajouri-Poonch with Kashmir, has been closed due to snowfall and some parties have contended that campaigning is difficult under the circumstances.

While 21 candidates are in fray in Anantnag, the contest is a triangular one between Mian Altaf Ahmad of the NC, Mehbooba Mufti and J&K Apni Party, perceived to be backed by the BJP.