Elections In Jammu And Kashmir? Sources Say Centre May Begin Dialogue

Sources told NDTV that the government "may initiate engagement process with the political parties and may discuss statehood and elections".

The Centre is likely to begin dialogue with the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to initiate the political process and restoration of statehood, sources have said. While there has been no formal invitation yet, the Gupkar Alliance or PAGD, the seven-party amalgam formed to help restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir -- has indicated its willingness to join talks. The National Conference has said it might join the delimitation process. Jammu and Kashmir was placed under President's Rule after the BJP ended its alliance with Mehbooba Mufti in June 2018. There has been no political process since. In August 2019, the Centre ended the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir granted and bifurcated it into two Union territories. There was an expectation that the state elections would be held in tandem with the national elections in 2019, but the Election Commission negated it, citing an administration report that said there was a security risk.  Today, sources told NDTV that the government "may initiate engagement process with the political parties and may discuss statehood and elections".