Poll panel in J&K, no call on election yet

He said that they had a day-long meeting on the issue. “We also met leaders of political parties and sought their stand on holding elections in the state,’’ he said.

Sampath said that leaders of some political parties were in favour of holding elections on the scheduled date. “Some parties were of the view that holding elections will hamper relief and rehabilitation operations,’’ he said, adding that the EC team will go back to Delhi and deliberate further before taking a final call.

Sampath said that the EC team also held discussions with police and government officers through video conferencing. The team ascertained the status of flood damage and the extent of restored infrastructure in the state. It also sought details of the population still residing outside their homes.

“The DCs gave us information about polling stations damaged and restored and the status of alternate polling stations. The SSPs briefed us about the security scenario of their districts,’’ Sampath said.

Earlier, the team was briefed by principal secretary, relief and revenue, about the status of operations.

EC team member H S Brahma said that the decision about polls in the state would be taken keeping in mind the Jharkhand elections, which are also around the corner.

Sources said that apart from National Conference leaders, all political parties have suggested that elections be conducted on schedule. The new government in the state has to be in the place before January 19, 2015.