Srinagar, Jan 19 (KNS): The much awaited assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are unlikely to be held in 2024, top sources revealed on Saturday.
The Srinagar based news agency while quoting sources reported that there are bleak chances of holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024.
The sources said the polls may likely be differed to next year owing to upcoming Parliamentary elections and subsequent annual Amarnath Yatra, which usually remains in place for two months.
Dispelling rumors, the sources said there are bleak chances of Assembly election in 2024, and added the authorities have enough tight schedule this year who can’t concentrate on local elections this year. They also said that there is no question of holding Parliamentary and Assembly polls together as it require ample manpower and time to make its joint conduct in a smooth manner.
“If Parliamentary elections be held in mid 2024, the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) polls may take place likely in September this year, when annual Amarnath Yatra gets over,” sources revealed.
They said the authorities may likely think over the conduct of Panchayat, BDC and DDC polls afterwards which may be held in between October and November 2024. They held that Parliamentary election is the priority of central government who can’t hamper its smooth process by holding some other election together.
Notably regional and national mainstream political parties have accelerated its public outreach programs across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Parliamentary polls, which are likely to be held in April – May this year, while as local political parties are making people to believe in that Assembly elections will also take place this year.
Earlier five-member bench of Supreme Court headed by CJI DY Chandruchud had directed ECI to hold assembly election in J&K before September 30, 2024. (KNS)