Early Times Report
Jammu, June 13: A successful completion of the Amarnath Yatra beginning July 1 will be crucial in deciding if Jammu and Kashmir can vote in November to elect a new assembly, two people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
The state was put under President's rule on December 19 last year after none of the political parties had staked claim to form government, and it is likely to be extended for another six months.
Prior to this, Governor's rule was imposed and the assembly was put under suspended animation after the Bharatiya Janata Party pulled out of the People's Democratic Party-led coalition government in June 2018.
"The home ministry has told the Election Commission it can provide necessary support for election in November," one of the two people cited above said. "But, the successful completion of Amarnath Yatra will be crucial. Any untoward incident may be a spoiler."
Last week, the Election Commission said it would take a call on announcing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after assessing the situation following the Amarnath Yatra. In March, the EC decided not to hold polls for the assembly and Lok Sabha simultaneously in the states, citing security concerns. The second person dismissed reports about the Centre's plan to carry out delimitation exercise in the state to bring more assembly seats under Jammu region, where it has a foothold. |
