Elections cannot be held in December; says Prof Soz

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Asking the Election Commission of India (ECI) to remain steadfast with its democratic principles, Prof Saif-u-din Soz, president Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) on Monday said that elections cannot be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir in December because of severe cold.

Talking to KNS, Soz said that ECI must consult all political parties including opposition in Jammu and Kashmir before announcement of any dates for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

“There is no doubt that ECI is a very strong institution and a great pillar of democracy in the country but it has to be truly democratic and to take all ground realities into consideration,” Soz told KNS while adding that during December the climate remains intensely cold in Kashmir, Ladakh and even many parts of Jammu region.

“We know Mr Modi may have some political designs in Jammu and Kashmir but all of us are prepared and alert to counter those designs. The ECI should remain steadfast with its democratic principles and should take all political parties in the state on board before announcing any dates for upcoming elections,” Soz added.

Pertinently, the ECI may hold elections in the two states-Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand- in late December-early January. Reports said that ECI is in constant touch with the Union home ministry on assessing the requirement of forces and their allocation.

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