'ECI may hold by-elections for Anantnag Assembly, Parliamentary together' | If Mehbooba is elevated as CM | | Ishtiyaq Ahmad Early Times Report Srinagar, Mar 11: While the PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has kept everyone guessing on government formation, the Election Commission of India is mulling to hold by-elections on Anantnag Assembly and Parliamentary seat together if she is elevated as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The Anantnag assembly seat has got vacant following death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7, and elections has to be held within six-months by July 7. Now all eyes are on South Kashmir Parliamentarian of Anantnag seat Mehbooba Mufti, whether she will take over the Chief Minister of the State subsequently, the Parliamentary seat will get vacant. "We are waiting for the decision of Mehbooba Mufti whether she takes over the Chief Minister or not. If she is elevated Chief Minister then by elections on both the Assembly and Parliamentary elections will be held together," an official of Election Commission of India said. The official said they will wait by the end of this month following which the process of electioneering will begin in first week of April. "The Assembly seat has to be filled by April 7. If both the elections are held together, it will help us to ensure free, fair, and trouble free elections," the official said. He said they want to make it sure that adequate security arrangements are in place for voters, official said. |
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