EC takes exception to J&K LG's reported remarks on timing of polls

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Tuesday took "exception" to the reported remarks of Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor G C Murmu on timing of polls in the union territory, and said in the constitutional scheme of things, only the EC is authorised to decide on the poll schedule.

Taking note of a media report which quoted Murmu on the delimitation exercise in J&K and holding of polls, the EC in a statement said it "takes exception to such statements and would like to state that in the Constitutional scheme of things, the timings etc. of elections is the sole remit of Election Commission of India."

The Commission also referred to similar statements of the LG reported by various media outlets in November last year and June this

year.

"It would be proper for authorities other than the Election Commission to refrain from making such statements which virtually tantamount to interfering with the Constitutional mandate of the Commission," the statement said.

The poll panel said before deciding the timing, it takes into consideration all the relevant factors, including topography, weather, sensitivities arising out of regional and local festivities in the areas where the election is to take place.

"For example, in the current times, COVID-19 has introduced a new dynamic, which has to be, and shall be taken into consideration at the due time. In the instant case, the outcome of delimitation is also germane to the decision," the statement said.

Availability of central forces and railway coaches for their transportation are important factors, it pointed out.

"All this is done after meticulous homework by the senior officials of the Commission and a detailed assessment in due consultation with concerned authorities," it said.