New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on August 8 to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. This visit marks the first assembly elections in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories in 2019. The Supreme Court has mandated that the elections be held by September 30.Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will lead the ECI delegation, accompanied by Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and S. S. Sandhu. The team will depart from Delhi at 8:00 AM and arrive in Srinagar by 10:00 AM. Their itinerary includes a meeting with local political parties at 11:15 AM, followed by discussions with deputy commissioners and police superintendents at 2:00 PM. The day will conclude with a review meeting at 7:00 PM with the Chief Election Officer (CEO), Special Police Nodal Officer (SPNO), and central force coordinators.Second day of assessment in JammuOn August 9, the ECI team will begin their day with a 9:00 AM meeting with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) in Srinagar. They will then travel to Jammu, arriving at 11:40 AM, where they will conduct a review meeting with enforcement agencies at 1:00 PM. The visit will culminate with a press conference at 2:30 PM before the team departs for Delhi at 4:40 PM, arriving back by 6:15 PM.Earlier this year, during a visit to Kashmir in anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar assured that the ECI would soon oversee assembly elections in the region. The significant voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections was seen as a positive indicator for the upcoming assembly elections, highlighting the vibrancy of the democratic process in the Union Territory.Supreme Court Directive and PreparationsIn December 2023, the Supreme Court directed the ECI to conduct the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30. Additionally, on July 31, the ECI instructed the local administration to transfer officials from their home districts as a standard pre-election procedure. Heavy rainfall in Jammu on Wednesday morning severely disrupted normal life, causing waterlogging on roads and flooding in several residential areas. The downpour, which began at 6:00 AM, overwhelmed the citys drainage system, leading to significant water accumulation on major roads and alleys.Areas like Janipur, Gandhi Nagar, and old Jammu city experienced the worst of the waterlogging, resulting in severe traffic disruptions and multiple road accidents. Residential areas, particularly low-lying regions such as Talab Tillo and Gangyal, faced flood-like conditions as rainwater entered homes, damaging property.Swift Response from Local AdministrationThe local administration has responded swiftly, employing pumps to reduce water levels and initiating relief efforts in the affected areas. The Jammu Municipal Corporation has urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. The Meteorological Department has predicted further rainfall in the next 24 hours, raising concerns about additional waterlogging and damage. Citizens have been advised to stay alert and follow emergency services directives as the administration and emergency teams continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance.
