ECI Set to Announce Jammu Kashmir Bypolls with Bihar Elections

SRINAGAR: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is preparing to announce by-elections for Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside the schedule for the Bihar polls.

In a statement, the poll body confirmed the deployment of observers for Budgam and Nagrota, signalling that the formal announcement of elections for these seats is imminent. Both constituencies are currently lying vacant.

“The Election Commission of India has decided to deploy 470 officers (320 IAS, 60 IPS, and 90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS, etc.) serving in various states as Central Observers (General, Police, and Expenditure) for the forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly of Bihar and bye-elections in Jammu and Kashmir (AC–Budgam & Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC–Anta), Jharkhand (AC–Ghatsila), Telangana (AC–Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC–Tarn Taran), Mizoram (AC–Dampa), and Odisha (AC–Nuapada),” the statement read.

The Bihar election schedule is expected to be released in the second week of October, following a visit to the state by the three-member commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Before this, the ECI will hold a briefing in New Delhi on October 3 for the appointed general, police, and expenditure observers.

In Jammu and Kashmir, political analysts suggest that Budgam and Nagrota are likely to see keen contests. Nagrota is expected to witness a direct battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference (NC)-led alliance. Budgam, meanwhile, could see a triangular contest involving NC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Peoples Alliance for Change—a coalition comprising the Peoples Conference, Peoples Democratic Front, and Justice and Development Front (JDF). (KNO)