JK: Notification for 2nd phase of Assembly polls

Srinagar, Oct 29: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today issued notification for holding elections in six of the 87 assembly constituencies in the border state in the first phase of the seven- stage poll on November 23.

Mr Vohra has issued similar notification for holding elections in ten assembly segments in the first phase, which will go to the polls on November 17.

Mr Vohra, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by clause(b) of Sub-section (b) of section 53 of the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir has dissolved the Legislative Assembly on July 10, 2008 after Ghulam Nabi Azad headed Congress coalition government was reduced to minority following the withdrawal of support by the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) on Shri Amarnth shrine Land issue.

The Governor, in exercise of powers vested in him under Jammu and Kashmir Representation of People Act, 1957 and as recommended by the Election Commission of India (ECI), has issued the notification for holding the elections in six constituencies in the second phase, an official spokesman said here.

The constituencies going to the polls on November 23 Kangan and Ganderbal in Kashmir valley, Nowshera, Darhal, Rajouri and Kalakote in Jammu region.

While November 5 will be the last date for filing of nominations, scrutiny of the papers will be held on November 6 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is November 8.

In the first phase Gurez, Sonawari and Bandipora in north Kashmir, Nobra, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar in Ladakh region and Surankote, Mendhar and Poonch-Haveli in Poonch district will go to polls on November 17.

The National Conference (NC), Congress, BJP and other mainstream parties have already decided to join the fray while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced its decision only yesterday to contest all the 87 seats in the state.

The ECI, after holding several rounds of talks with the national and local political parties, besides top brass of the security agencies, announced seven-phase poll schedule for Jammu and Kashmir on October 19. However, majority political parties in the Kashmir valley, though agreed to take party in the election, informed the ECI that situation was not conducive for credible elections.

UNI