The Election Commission has called for applications seeking allotment of ‘common symbol’ from registered unrecognised political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification comes days after the poll body lauded the successful conduction of Lok Sabha elections in the region, the first after Article 370 was revoked.
The EC notice, issued on Friday, said that it would accept applications seeking allotment ofCommon Symbol under Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation &Allotment) Order, 1968 with “immediate effect.”
Under this, unrecognised parties can apply for a common symbol up to six months before the end of the current House.
Although a date for conducting Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir has not been announced yet, the recent announcement by the poll body hints that they will be held soon.
Generally recognised parties have their reserved symbols while registered unrecognised parties have to apply to field candidates.
The Supreme Court in a 2023 verdict directed the EC to hold assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir by September 2024.
While announcing the general election dates in April, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that the poll body would not be able to hold J&K assembly elections simultaneously with Lok Sabha elections due to logistical and security reasons.
Link to article –
After successful LS polls, EC kicks off assembly election preparation in J&K
