Restructuring of constituencies gains momentum in Jammu-Kashmir; Delimitation Commission signs order

New Delhi: – The process of delimitation of the Assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir has gained momentum. The Delimitation Commission set up for this purpose has signed the final order. This will increase the number of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly constituencies from 83 to 90. It also has 24 constituencies reserved for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Some political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have opposed the process. However, according to the central government, it is natural to change the constituencies according to the composition of the population.

The Union Home Minister had said that it was not possible to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir until the delimitation of Assembly constituencies was completed. Also, by setting up a Delimitation Commission for this, the Central Government made it clear that they take this matter very seriously. Therefore, after the deletion of Article 370, which gave Jammu-Kashmir a special status, the process of delimitation is considered to be a huge issue for Jammu and Kashmir, which now become a Union Territory. Some local political parties and leaders strongly opposed the process. Against that background, the order was signed one day before the expiration of the Delimitation Commission.

This will increase the number of Assembly constituencies in Jammu and the Kashmir Valley from 83 to 90. It will have 47 constituencies in Kashmir Valley and 43 constituencies in Jammu. Earlier, there were 37 constituencies in Jammu and 46 in Kashmir Valley. However, considering the increase in population, six constituencies have been added in Jammu and one in Kashmir Valley. 9 constituencies have been reserved for Scheduled Castes. Twenty-four constituencies have been allotted for Kashmir, currently under Pakistani occupation.

It is claimed that this could lead to drastic changes in the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was dominated by the Kashmir Valley. However, due to terrorism and separatists’ activities, the delimitation of assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir was stalled. But now, with the removal of Article 370, which prevented the Government of India from taking decisions on Jammu and Kashmir, this process of delimitation has become easier.