The Assembly polls in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission (EC) announced on Sunday, 10 March.
However, elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which was dissolved after the ruling coalition between the BJP and the PDP fell apart, will not be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, with the EC reportedly citing security reasons for the decision.
The EC said on Monday that the Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases, with results to be announced on 23 May.
Catch all the updates on Lok Sabha election schedule here.
‘Respect EC’s Decision’: J&K Chief Electoral Officer
Amid criticism by political parties over the ECI's decision not to hold state polls along with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shalinder Kumar said "we must respect the wisdom of the election commission" as simultaneous polls were not possible due to the prevailing security situation in the state.
He said the 14 February Pulwama terror attack on a CRPF convoy has put the administration on alert and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure free and fair elections across the state including the border areas facing frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
“We must respect the wisdom of the EC for whatever decision has been taken. It is decided, now so why and what may not be serving any purpose... Let us take it in a stride that single election has been announced and now let us conduct single election in a most free and fair manner”Shalinder Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, J&K
In Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the general elections will be held in a single phase on 11 April. Meanwhile, in Odisha the Lok Sabha elections would be held in four phases – on 11 April, 18 April, 23 April and 29 April.
Lastly, Jammu and Kashmir will vote in five phases, with the dates being – 11 April, 18 April, 23 April, 29 April and 6 May.
With election dates being announced, the Model Code of Conduct has now come into force.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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