The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday cancelled the May 25 by-election to the Anantnag lok Sabha constituency in Jammu & Kashmir. The decision comes amid the on-going violence in the State, making the situation unfeasible to hold elections. Polling to the Anantnag constituency has already been postponed once. Voting was scheduled for April 12, which was the postponed to May 25. The poll panel is yet to come out with a new date.
In its 10-page order issued late on Monday night, the ECI said, “In view of the prevailing ground situation and non-availability of sufficient security forces, the Commission is of the considered view that peaceful, free and fair poll is not feasible on May 25, as scheduled, though some political parties have asked for the same.”
Keeping in view the ground situation in the Valley and having considered the reports of the Divisional Commissioner and CEO, it is not conducive to hold bypolls. The Chief Electoral officer of Jammu & Kashmir in its report on April 16 and 17 mentioned that “certain elements” have started anti-election campaigns and there is an increased terrorist threat to those coming out to vote. The State Government was of the view that if bypoll is held in May, it would affect anti-terror operations which are necessary for return of normalcy. It also said politicians and families of the police personnel were being targeted to create a sense of fear ahead of the election. “School and panchayat buildings, used as polling stations, were being burnt to sabotage the electoral process,” the State administration has said.
The ECI’s decision also comes a day after the Centre said it would not be able to deploy 75,000 paramilitary personnel, but only half of that for poll duty. Sources in EC said the Home Ministry had pointed out concerns about the movement of “such a large contingent” and their “security.” During a video conference, local police officials told the ECI top brass that the situation in Anantnag is “scary”.
The by-election to the Anantnag lok Sabha seat was necessitated following the resignation of lok Sabha MP Mehbooba Mufti last year to take over as Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.