Centre, EC rule out postponement of polls

Advani, in an interview to a TV channel, also said that those organisations with affinity to Pakistan would not take part in the elections.

“I don’t think that postponement of polls would ensure wider participation because it is clear that there are elements under Pakistan’s influence due to financial reasons or fear. They will not participate,” he added.

Earlier, Lyngdoh said in Srinagar that the Election Commission had no “intention” of postponing the polls and that any decision regarding poll deferment could only be taken by the Centre.

Lyngdoh, who is on a three-day tour of the state to review poll preparedness there, said the poll schedule has already been issued and there was no change in it. Notification for the first of the four-phased elections will be issued on August 22 as per schedule, he added.

Advani said, “It has to be kept in mind that changing the dates which have already been announced will provoke a reaction among certain sections of the people.” Jurist Jethmalani, who is heading an unofficial peace initiative on Kashmir, said on his return from the Valley on Sunday that except for the ruling National Conference, all quarters in Kashmir wanted the polls to be postponed so that it could result in wider participation.