Jammu-Kashmir to vote in three phases; Haryana polls on October 1

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the dates for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Haryana. These elections will be the first in J&K since its special status and statehood were revoked in 2019, marking a significant political event in the Union Territory.

Voting schedule for J-K and Haryana

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar stated that the voting in J&K will take place across three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, covering 90 assembly seats. Meanwhile, Haryana's assembly elections, also for 90 seats, will be held in a single phase on October 1. The votes for both states will be counted on October 4.

Schedule for Elections in #Haryana to be held in a single phase .

Details in images pic.twitter.com/YerZLCvUTa

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) August 16, 2024

The Supreme Court had set a September 30 deadline for holding elections in J&K, prompting the ECI’s timely announcement. The Union Territory boasts a voter base of 87.09 lakh, including 42.6 lakh women, who will cast their votes across 11,838 polling stations.

In true spirit of keeping promises, here is a shorter electioneering period and in the best possible conducive weather. Schedule for Elections in J&K to be held in 3 phases : CEC Kumar pic.twitter.com/ck9tFVoFFD

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) August 16, 2024

Electoral roll finalization 

Kumar also noted that the final electoral rolls for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana will be published on August 20 and 27, respectively. Reflecting on recent visits to the two regions, he highlighted the enthusiasm among the populace, stating, "The long queues at polling booths during the Lok Sabha elections are proof that people not only want change but are eager to be a part of it."

Background on Jammu and Kashmir

The last assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014, leading to a coalition government between the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP, with Mehbooba Mufti as the Chief Minister. However, the region came under the Governor's rule in 2018, followed by the President's rule after the coalition collapsed. In 2019, the BJP-led government revoked J&K's special status, reconstituting it into the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh.

Haryana's political landscape

In Haryana, the 2019 assembly elections saw the BJP forming a government in alliance with Dushyant Chautala's Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), despite falling short of a majority. However, growing tensions led to the collapse of this alliance just before the 2024 general elections, paving the way for a significant political shift in the state.