Jammu, Jun 16: Newly appointed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K Sanjeev Verma Monday said that no notification for by-election to Budgam and Nagrota assembly segments was issued yet.
I cannot deliberate on it as no notification was issued yet. As and when it is issued then relevant details will be shared,î the CEO said, responding to media queries in an interaction with the print media at Nirvachan Bhawan.
With regard to a query about a 6-month timeline to hold a by-election, it was pointed out during the interaction that several other conditions are to be met along with the said stipulation vis-‡-vis the conduct of by-election within six months.
Budgam seat vacancy arose after the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had contested from two seats, opted to retain Ganderbal and resigned from Budgam. Nagrota assembly seat, however, fell vacant after the demise of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana.
In April this year, the process of rationalisation of polling stations in these two assembly segments was completed. Electoral roll revision was completed in the first week of May.
Verma shared that in alignment with the ECI guidelines, special arrangements with a focus on innovative means would be made to ensure the enrolment of all eligible voters, mainly 18-plus youth.
Lauding the media’s role in voter education and strengthening democratic values in society, the CEO also emphasised seamless coordination for timely, accurate election info and SVEEP awareness. Innovative additions vis-‡-vis SVEEP would also be seen in the days to come to further the momentum.
This was his maiden interaction after taking over as the CEO J&K.
On June 2, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in pursuance of notification No 154/J&K/2025-P.Admn dated May 29, 2025, issued by the Election Commission of India, had appointed Verma, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer as Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, following the transfer of his (Vermaís) predecessor P K Pole to Delhi.
Besides being CEO, Verma is also Commissioner Secretary to the Government Election Department.
An official spokesperson said the CEO underscored the importance of effective collaboration between the election machinery and the media to deliver accurate, clear and timely updates to the public from the Election Department.
Expressing gratitude for successful coverage and contribution in the previously held Parliamentary and Assembly Elections, the CEO appreciated the consistent support from the media fraternity in disseminating timely and accurate election-related information to the public.
Verma also acknowledged the role of media in fostering democratic values and enhancing voter education, creating awareness about SVEEP, dispelling myths, countering misinformation and false narratives.
The media fraternity also gave valuable suggestions like creating a WhatsApp group for better coordination and updated information.
