Maharashtra polls to be announced later; J&K security, weather, festivals cited as reasons

When asked why the Maharashtra elections had been decoupled from the Haryana polls, the CEC said holding J&K elections had not been a factor in the past election cycles. The J&K elections are being conducted after 10 years and as per a Supreme Court judgment have to be done by September 30.

He said the requirement of forces in J&K was higher so the EC decided to hold only two polls at a time. He added that the work of updating the voters’ list in Maharashtra had been affected by the rains. The publication of the electoral roll has been postponed in Maharashtra from August 20 to August 30.

Depending on the requirement of forces, which is on a higher tone in J&K, we have decided to hold two electrons together. We cannot announce another election while we have announced J&K and when it is ongoing. There are other factors too. There was rain in Maharashtra. The BLOs are yet to complete their work and there are many festivals which we have to consider when making the schedule, like Ganesh festival, Pitru Paksha, Navratri and Diwali,” said the CEC.

The CEC also said that all 47 by-elections, including for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, will be held together when the environment and weather conditions permit.

When asked about it, the CEC said: In some states, the environment and weather conditions are such that by-elections cannot be held right now. There are 46 legislative and one Parliamentary constituency where by-elections are due. A disaster has just struck where the Parliamentary election is to be held [Wayanad]. Election cannot be held there at the moment. Some other states, like Assam and Bihar, have flood situations.