Mehbooba Mufti is going to contest the by-elections from the Assembly constituency in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag.
The by-polls for Anantnag assembly constituency where Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti is contesting has been postponed.
The polling has been rescheduled from June 19 to 22 because the date was coinciding with the death anniversary of a separatist in south Kashmir. This is the second time when elections for the high profile constituency have been postponed.
Official sources say the Election commission of India decided to reschedule the elections after Jammu and Kashmir government and major political parties requested for change in polling date because June 19 is the death anniversary of Qazi Nisar, a separatist in south Kashmir who was assassinated by suspected terrorists 23 years ago.
The Anantnag seat fell vacant after death of then chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who died on January 7. In April, the Election Commission had announced by-elections for the constituency and polling was scheduled to be held on May 16. But the Jammu and Kashmir government cited adverse law and order situation in the wake of five civilian killings in Kupwara district and requested that the polls be deferred.
After postponing elections, the poll body announced a new election schedule for the constituency and last date of filing of nomination papers was June 1. Nine candidates including Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti are in the fray. Mehbooba Mufti has to win this election to continue as Chief Minister. As per the constitution, she has to be elected for the legislature within a mandatory six month-period after taking over as Chief Minister.
Officials say the decision to reschedule polling and counting dates was taken after chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir Shantmanu met the election commission in Delhi yesterday and said polling on June 19, the death anniversary of Qazi Nisar can adversely impact the voting in Anantnag. While rest of election schedule remain unchanged, polling will now be held on June 22 and counting will take place on June 25.