CENTRE SAYS READY FOR ELECTIONS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The Centre on Thursday said that it is ready to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir "any time now". The statement was made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is representing the Centre in a case challenging the constitutional validity of the Centre's decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution.

Mehta said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has completed most of the preparations for the polls, and that the only remaining task is to finalise the schedule. He said that the ECI is expected to announce the schedule soon.

The elections are likely to be held in the coming months, possibly along with the elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur, which are scheduled to be held in February-March 2024.

The Centre's statement that it is ready for elections in Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a significant development. It is the first time that the Centre has made such a statement since the abrogation of Article 370.

The elections will be a major test for the Centre. The region has been in turmoil for many years, and the elections will be seen as a measure of the Centre's ability to restore normalcy in the region.

The elections will also be a test for the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. The traditional political parties, such as the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party, have been weakened in recent years. The elections will be an opportunity for new parties to emerge and challenge the traditional parties.

The elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be closely watched by the international community. The region is a sensitive area, and the elections will be seen as a way to gauge the mood of the people.

 The elections are likely to be held in the coming months, possibly along with the elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur, which are scheduled to be held in February-March 2024 and will be a major test for the Centre, as the region has been in turmoil for many years.It  will also be a test for the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, as the traditional political parties have been weakened in recent years.The elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be closely watched by the international community, as the region is a sensitive area.