‘Triumph Of Ballot Over Bullet’ Says CEC While Announcing Poll Dates For J&K, Haryana

The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Friday, announced the dates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana. The Declaration was made during a press conference held by the Chief Election Commissioner, officially kicking off the election process in these two states.

The polling in Jammu & Kashmir which has 90 assembly seats scheduled to take place on 18 September 2024, while voters in Haryana will head to the polls on 1 October 2024. Both states are set to witness crucial contests, with political parties gearing up for intense campaigns.

Haryana, meanwhile, is preparing for another round of political battles following the previous assembly elections held in 2019.

Earlier Chief Justice of India, while reading the judgment in the Article 370 matter, directed that the Election Commission must take steps to conduct elections for the Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir by 30 September 2024. This directive further underscores the importance of the upcoming polls in the region, which will be the first Assembly election since Jammu & Kashmir's reorganisation in 2019.

During the press conference, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Stressed the Election Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. He also highlighted the extensive arrangements being made to ensure the safety and security of voters, particularly in sensitive areas.

“All candidates get due security, what is intended is that participation should increase in terms of contesting candidates in terms of camping, and rallies.”, said CEC.

The model code of conduct has come into effect immediately across both states, with strict guidelines in place for all political parties and candidates.

The counting of votes for both Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana is scheduled for 4 October, with the results expected to be announced the same day.

"The menace of drugs in either of these two states J&K and Haryana would be severely dealt with," added CEC while expressing confidence in the Election Commission's preparations.

As the election dates approach, political activity in both states is likely to intensify, with parties showing their manifestos and candidates starting extensive campaigns to win the hearts of voters.