Why J&K State Polls Deferment Is Due to Logistics, Not Politics

Many leaders from National Congress alleged ‘political considerations’ behind the deferred J&K Assembly elections.

With the obvious exception of the ruling BJP at the Centre, most of the regional and national political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are critical of the Election Commission of India’s decision to not hold the Assembly elections concurrently with the general Lok Sabha elections.

After withdrawal of support from Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP coalition in June 2018, the Assembly was placed under suspended animation and Governor’s Rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir. After the political parties’ failure to form the government in six months of the Governor’s Rule, President’s Rule was imposed in December 2018.

Fresh Assembly elections are now due and the authorities are bound by law and a Supreme Court order to hold the same in six months but much of this exercise depends primarily upon the security and law and order situation in the State.