NEW DELHI, June 8:
In an indication that Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir are imminent, the Election Commission on Friday said it has decided to accept applications seeking allotment of ‘common symbols’ from registered unrecognised parties in the Union Territory with immediate effect.
An official explained that under Para 10 B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968, any registered unrecognised political party can apply for a ‘common symbol’ six months prior to the end of the term of a House.
But since no Assembly is functional in J&K, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a press statement inviting applications for symbols.
While recognised national and State parties have their ‘reserved symbols’, registered unrecognised parties have to apply for one to field candidates. When free symbols are allocated to unrecognised parties, the Returning Officer allocates the remaining unclaimed symbols to Independents “on the spot”.
“The Commission has decided to accept applications seeking allotment of common symbols under Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968, for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Union Territory of J&K with immediate effect,” the EC statement read. (PTI)