Jammu and Kashmir CEO says reports on addition of 2.5 million voters incorrect

The chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday held a meeting with the political parties of the Union Territory to clarify that reports about the addition of some 2.5 million people in the electoral rolls were incorrect.

The meeting called by CEO Hirdesh Kumar in Jammu was in the wake of political reactions triggered following his remarks last month about the possible addition of 2.5 million voters in the ongoing summary revision of electoral rolls and eligibility of non-locals to vote in the next assembly elections in J&K.

Some parties also protested against Kumar in Jammu, reiterating their demand of restoration of special status and statehood of the region. They alleged that inclusion of non-locals in the voters list is a plan that will ultimately reduce the majority of natives of J&K into a minority.


"J&K CEO clarified that he hasn't mentioned the addition of 2.5 m voters in the list and this is completely incorrect," said a CPM leader who attended in the meeting.

A senior leader of the National Conference said that the majority of the political leaders sought clarity on the eligibility of non-locals in the voters list and asked the officer to explain the criteria.

"J&K CEO said that there is some confusion regarding temporary voters, which will be clarified," said the NC leader.

The final electoral rolls in J&K would be published on November 25.