The Election Commission has kicked up a political storm in Jammu and Kashmir by hinting that it is weighing the option of rescheduling polls in South Kashmir following representations from some parties, including the BJP which is not even in the fray.

The eight representations were made mostly by parties that are believed to enjoy Delhi’s patronage, citing adverse weather and road conditions.

Apart from the BJP, the Apni Party has sent two representations, one by the party and another by its president Altaf Bukhari.

The EC has through a letter sought a detailed report on the “road conditions” and “weather and accessibility-related constraints” from the chief secretary and chief electoral officer. The commission has also sought a report on any other relevant points raised in the representations.

“General Election to Lok Sabha, 2024 in 3-Anantnag Rajouri PC (also called South Kashmir) of J&K — request to reschedule the poll date,” reads the title of the EC’s letter.

The letter has eight signatories, some of whom are not contesting but supporting others. They have expressed concern over the condition of Mughal Road that connects Kashmir with Pir Panchal (which includes Rajouri and Poonch).

The signatories are Imran Raza Ansari, a leader of Sajad Lone’s People’s Conference; BJP state president Ravinder Raina; two Apni Party leaders; J&K Nationalist Peoples’ Front; Mohammad Saleem Parrey, a candidate of Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party; and two Independents — Ali Mohammad Wani and Arsheed Ali Lone.

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, in separate news conferences, on Friday alleged a conspiracy and asked the EC not to postpone the polls.

“I appeal to the Election Commission, rather than warn it, on behalf of the National Conference that they should not take such a step. There has not been a demand from every party,” Omar said.

He said some of the people who have written to the EC are not even contesting. “Why is the Election Commission considering their opinion? Tomorrow, I will write a letter about Tamil Nadu, Kerala or Maharashtra (where the NC is not contesting). Will the EC take notice of that?” he added.

The former chief minister said it appeared to be a well-planned conspiracy to play with the elections.

Mehbooba said the parties had ganged up against her and did not want to see her in Parliament. “The people, cutting across religious and party lines, are coming forward in my support and they are, therefore, using the Election Commission to defer and rig the elections,” she said.

Anantnag goes to polls on May 7