Delimitation Process Begins In Jammu And Kashmir Amid Gerrymandering Concerns

Barely hours before the panel began hearing the views of political parties, Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party decided against meeting the Delimitation Commission.

The delimitation exercise has formally begun in Jammu and Kashmir but has been faced with a deep political cynicism following the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state and its downgrading into two Union Territories in 2019. Barely hours before the panel began hearing the views of political parties, Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party (PDP) decided against meeting the Delimitation Commission. In a strongly worded letter to the Commission, the party questioned its constitution and intent. "Outcome of the delimitation exercise is pre-planned. The process is aimed at realising the political vision of a particular party. Delimitation is part of the process to disempower the people of J&K," the party said in its letter to the Commission.