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The Election Commission of India (EC) has invited applications from registered unrecognised parties in Jammu and Kashmir seeking allotment of 'common symbols'. This move is a strong indication that the assembly polls in the union territory are imminent.
This will be the first time that assembly polls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Notably, recognised national and state parties have their 'reserved symbols', while registered unrecognised parties have to apply for them to field candidates in the election.
As per the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968, any registered unrecognised political party can apply for a 'common symbol' six months prior to the end of the term of a House. However, since there is no functional assembly in Jammu and Kashmir yet, the EC is inviting applications with immediate effect.
The date for the assembly polls has not yet been declared. However, in December last year, the Supreme Court had directed the poll panel to hold the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30. While there were speculations of the election being held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, the EC had said that it was “not practical” due to “logical and security” reasons.
Meanwhile, chief election commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, earlier this week, said that the panel will begin the election process in the union territory “very soon”. He expressed enthusiasm over the voter turnout in the recent District Development Council (DDC) elections, where Jammu and Kashmir recorded the highest turnout in four decades at 58.58 per cent overall, and 51.05 per cent in the valley.
The EC's invitation for symbol applications is a clear indication that the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir are on the horizon. The exact date for the polls is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be held in the near future.
Source: EC hints at imminent polls in J&K, invites applications of symbols from parties