The Election Commission of India is poised to disclose the schedule for upcoming assembly elections in several key states today at 3 pm. These elections will take place in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, as their respective legislative assemblies approach the end of their terms.
Maharashtra's assembly term is set to conclude on November 3, and Haryana's will end on November 26, making these states the immediate focus of the electoral process. Jharkhand's assembly term extends until January 2025, positioning its elections slightly later.
In addition to these states, the announcement may also include the election schedule for Jammu and Kashmir, a region of particular significance following its reorganization in 2019. The Union Territory has been without an elected government since 2018, and there has been growing anticipation for these polls, especially after the Supreme Court mandated a deadline of September 30, 2024, for holding the elections.
The Commission's recent visits to Jammu and Kashmir, along with Haryana, signal a thorough assessment of poll readiness. However, a visit to Maharashtra has yet to be conducted. The Chief Election Commissioner has reiterated the commitment to holding timely elections, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, and has expressed confidence in the people's response to any attempts at disruption.
Today's announcement will outline the entire electoral process, including key dates for filing nominations, polling days, and the declaration of results, setting the stage for significant political activity in the coming months.