Election Commission defers Anantnag Lok Sabha bypoll to May 25

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission last night postponed the Anantnag Lok Sabha by-poll to May 25, citing inputs by the Jammu and Kashmir government that law-and-order situation is not conducive.

The by-election was to be held on tomorrow.

The Commission hoped that by May 25, the law and order situation in the constituency will be normal to hold free and fair polls.

The EC notification said the state administration apprehends that "violent attempts" can be made by miscreants to thwart the poll process.

It pointed at large scale violence which took place in Srinagar on April 9 during a similar bypoll.

June 1 has been set as the date by which election process should be completed in Anantnag.

The long period has apparently been given keeping in mind the possibility of repoll that may be held there.

PDP candidate from Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency asked the EC to postpone the bypoll.

The Anantnag seat fell vacant in June last year after Mehbooba Mufti won the assembly polls and resigned from the Lok Sabha.

Anantnag constituency is spread over four districts of Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag.