ANC approaches SC, seeks postponement of J-K polls

A political party from Jammu and Kashmir has approached the Supreme Court with a petition requesting for postponement of elections in the state for six months so that relief and rehabilitation work in the aftermath of worst-ever floods could be carried out unhindered.
Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference, formed in mid-80s by former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah's estranged brother-in-law G M Shah, cited that over six lakh people were displaced in the deluge that threw life out of gear in many parts of the Kashmir Valley.
Briefing reporters here, ANC Vice President and Shah's son Muzaffar Shah said that the party was not against polls "but the timing of elections, which actually has been forced upon" Jammu and Kashmir.

Now since the Election Commission has decided to go ahead with the polls, "we approached Supreme Court with a writ petition which is expected to be heard by Wednesday", he said.
Over six lakh people were displaced and dislocated in Srinagar alone and their whereabouts for the purpose casting votes are not available, he said.
Shah, whose party has ruled the state from 1984 to 1986, questioned the "tearing hurry" of the Election Commission in conducting the polls.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) and BJP chief Amit Shah, they want to carry forward the winning streak (through early conduct of elections). Let's hope we don't slip back to 1989 (onset of militancy)," he said.

Muslims around the world is observing the month of Muharram. The 'Chehlem' (40th day) of this month is on December 14 when most surprisingly 17 constituencies in the state have been scheduled to cast votes, he said.
"It is requested that the schedule of the elections announced by the EC is postponed by at least six months," Shah said, adding that all should work towards rehabilitating the people who were affected by the floods.
Polls in 87 seats of Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to be held in five-phases between November 23 and December 20 and counting will be held on December 23.

Shah also accused political parties in the state of eyeing crores of rehabilitation package announced by the Centre for the flood-affected.