ECI Set to Announce Assembly Poll Schedule Today; Major Transfers in J&K Signal Imminent Elections
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The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to unveil the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections today, with a significant focus on the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This announcement will also include the election dates for Maharashtra and Haryana, where polls are due as well.
A delegation from the ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, recently conducted a comprehensive review of poll preparations in Jammu and Kashmir. During a press conference held in Jammu, Kumar reassured the public that the commission is committed to holding elections in the Union Territory “at the earliest.”
In anticipation of these elections, the Jammu and Kashmir government has undertaken a massive reshuffling of administrative officers. On the evening of August 15, the Home Department issued orders for the transfer of 91 IAS/JKAS officers. This was followed by another order on the morning of August 16, transferring 33 IPS/JKP officers. Such large-scale transfers are seen as a strong indication that elections in J&K are imminent.
Earlier, on August 1, the ECI had instructed the Union Territory administration to transfer officers posted in their home districts, in line with its consistent policy. The commission ensures that officers directly involved in the conduct of elections are not posted in their home districts or places where they have served for an extended period.
In addition, the ECI had recently ordered the updating of electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir, further signalling its preparedness for the impending elections.
The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are highly anticipated, as the Union Territory has been under central rule since 2018. These will also be the first Assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370, making them particularly significant in the political landscape.