Seven-phase assembly polls in J& K from Nov 17

NEW DELHI: Putting behind differences within, the Election Commission on Sunday announced an unprecedented seven-phase assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir beginning November 17 and spread over six weeks saying it has taken a "risk" in the backdrop of boycott calls in the Valley.

Counting of votes will take place on December 28, nearly two weeks before the end of Governor's rule in the border state on January 9.

Ending the uncertainty about the poll process, the three-member Election Commission which was divided on holding elections gave the go ahead thereby signalling an end to the nearly six months of Governor's rule imposed after the Amarnath land row in July this year.

Announcing the schedule for the staggered polls, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said voting will take place on November 17, 23, 30 and December 7, 13, 17 and 24. The poll process for the 87-member assembly has to be completed by December 31 this year, he said. Jammu and Srinagar cities will go to polls in the last phase on Dec 24.

The exercise was being undertaken at a "risk" in view of the stand of certain political parties and outfits, he said.

On whether parties are ready for polls now, he said "it looks like. First you need to ask if political parties are ready. We are not conducting elections in a vacuum.

The issue of availability of central forces was cited for an unprecedented seven-phase polls. "...because we are also having elections elsewhere. So, that is the reason why you would have seen that unlike the last time where there were four phases, this time it is seven," the CEC said.

Both Congress and BJP welcomed the announcement while the regional parties like NC were guarded in their response. PDP was yet to formulate its stand while the Hurriyat Conference and JKLF announced a poll boycott.