ASSEMBLY POLLS
![Over 300 additional paramilitary companies to be deployed for J-K Assembly polls](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-112891029,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/elections/assembly-elections/jammu-kashmir/over-300-additional-paramilitary-companies-to-be-deployed-for-j-k-assembly-polls.jpg)
Over 300 additional paramilitary companies to be deployed for J-K Assembly polls
Over 300 additional paramilitary companies will be deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for the assembly elections starting September 18. Deputy Inspector General Shiv Kumar Sharma arrived to inspect facilities and coordinate with local forces, emphasizing cooperation and resolving security personnel's concerns.
![In J&K, 54% polling stations declared critical, bulk of them vote in phase 1](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-112876824,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/politics-and-nation/in-jk-54-polling-stations-declared-critical-bulk-of-them-vote-in-phase-1.jpg)
In J&K, 54% polling stations declared critical, bulk of them vote in phase 1
More than half of Jammu and Kashmir's polling booths have been classified as 'critical' due to high political stakes and past electoral issues. Around 1,000 companies of security forces will be deployed for the upcoming three-phase assembly elections. The first phase of voting is set for September 18.
![J&K assembly elections: Mehbooba Mufti not to contest](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-112867175,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/elections/assembly-elections/jammu-kashmir/jk-assembly-elections-mehbooba-mufti-not-to-contest.jpg)
J&K assembly elections: Mehbooba Mufti not to contest
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti announced she will not contest the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, citing challenges in fulfilling her party's agenda. She pointed out her previous accomplishments as chief minister and questioned the feasibility of implementing similar measures in the current political climate.
![Champai Soren's BJP Entry: A strategic move to counter Hemant's tribal support ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Polls](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-112859447,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/politics-and-nation/champai-sorens-bjp-entry-a-strategic-move-to-counter-hemants-tribal-support-ahead-of-jharkhand-assembly-polls.jpg)
Champai Soren's BJP Entry: A strategic move to counter Hemant's tribal support ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Polls
Champai Soren's move to join the BJP is seen as a strategy to counter Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's tribal support ahead of elections. Known locally as the 'Tiger of Kolhan,' Champai's entry aims to boost BJP's prospects in the ST-majority Kolhan region where it has struggled previously.
![Rahul Gandhi is likely to shorten his visit to United States: Sources](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-112856837,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-gandhi-is-likely-to-shorten-his-visit-to-united-states-sources.jpg)
Rahul Gandhi is likely to shorten his visit to United States: Sources
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to shorten his USA visit in September to 5-7 days due to upcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. This will be his first visit since becoming the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha. In his absence, Priyanka Gandhi will kickstart the party's campaign in September, with several rallies planned in both states.
![J&K assembly polls: Several former members of banned Jamaat-e-Islami file nomination papers](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-112839170,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/elections/assembly-elections/jammu-kashmir/jk-assembly-polls-several-former-members-of-banned-jamaat-e-islami-file-nomination-papers.jpg)
J&K assembly polls: Several former members of banned Jamaat-e-Islami file nomination papers
Several former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir are contesting the upcoming Assembly polls as independent candidates. Notably, Sugra Barkati, daughter of jailed separatist worker Sarjan Barkati, filed nomination papers for her father. The elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, will be held in three phases starting September 18.
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Donations of Rs 100 each will help Jan Suraaj raise Rs 200 crore: Prashant Kishor
Prashant Kishor, ex-political consultant, revealed his strategy for funding Jan Suraaj, a soon-to-be political party in Bihar. By asking 2 crore people to donate Rs 100 each, he aims to collect Rs 200 crore. Kishor argued this will help combat corruption and assured party members they would have sufficient resources. The party has also attracted significant political figures.
J&K polls: 'Sab manifesto mein hai,' says Farooq Abdullah on diplomatic initiatives between India & Pakistan
On Tuesday, Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed confidence that the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance will succeed in the upcoming assembly elections. Abdullah stated that their manifesto, which includes a commitment to resuming talks with Pakistan if elected, outlines their plans.
Third Eye: Grievance mechanism upgraded, Haryana poll surprises, and Raj Thackeray’s latest mimicry
Recent political developments have stirred considerable discussion. The Prime Minister's push for faster citizen grievance redressal has led to a new 21-day resolution deadline, with a special 3-day timeframe for priority issues. Meanwhile, Haryana’s BJP faces confusion over the October 1 assembly polls, with the state government initially unaware of the election dates. Adding to the political intrigue, Raj Thackeray has been in the spotlight for his humorous imitation of deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
AAP to launch 'Aap ka vidhayak, aap ke dwaar' campaign from Sep 1 in lead-up to Delhi polls
The party will also be rolling out its campaign 'AAP ka vidhayak, aap ke dwaar' from September 1 wherein the MLAs will hold meetings at the 'mandal' level and booth level where there will be discussions on political scenario and the work done by the party. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had recently held a meeting with senior party leaders to discuss the strategy for the polls.
NDA allies from Hindi heartland may cross borders for state elections
BJP's Hindi heartland allies are looking to extend their influence beyond their respective states. JD(U), in talks with BJP, plans to contest the Jharkhand assembly elections, possibly for 10 seats, while LJP(R) and SBSP are eyeing expansions in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. These parties aim to capitalize on voter bases outside their home states.
Haryana Assembly polls: Kumari Selja rules out alliance with AAP, says Congress will fight on its own
Kumari Selja, a senior Congress leader, confirmed there will be no alliance with AAP for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. She stated that Congress would contest all seats on its own, expressing confidence in a significant victory. Main election issues are unemployment, corruption, MSP guarantee, and opposing the Agnipath scheme. She dismissed rival alliances as weak.
J-K Assembly elections 2024: About 88 lakh voters to cast ballot
Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly elections saw 88 lakh voters participating, conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, across 90 constituencies. The setup included 209 new polling stations and separate arrangements for various groups, with webcasting at all booths. Key details included a pre-poll alliance between the Congress and National Conference. Results were scheduled for October 4.
Sharad Pawar wonders if his Z plus security an attempt to get 'authentic information'
Sharad Pawar, chief of NCP(SP), has been provided with the highest category of Z plus security by the Centre, alongside RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Home Minister Amit Shah. As Maharashtra assembly elections near, Pawar speculates this move could be to gather information. A team of 55 CRPF personnel will ensure his security.
Won't play big brother, have open mind on MVA leadership: Cong's Chennithala
While the Sena brass has already conveyed to the allies -- Congress and NCP (SCP) -- its pitch for Uddhav Thackeray as the alliance's CM candidate, it also triggered some resentful murmurs from within the Congress with some pointing out that the party won bigger and better than other MVA allies in the Lok Sabha polls, netting 13 of the 17 seats contested, compared to Sena's 9 (out of 21) and NCP's 8 (out of 10 ).
Kharge, Rahul visit Jammu & Kashmir to explore alliance with NC for assembly polls
The Congress leaders are scheduled to meet INDIA bloc members Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference here and later may interact with the PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti as well. Gandhi is scheduled to address a press conference here on Thursday morning and later will fly to Jammu where he will attend a workers' meeting.
Ram Madhav, G Kishan Reddy appointed as BJP in-charge for assembly polls in J-K
"BJP national president JP Nadda has appointed Ram Madhav, former national general secretary, and Union minister G Kishan Reddy as election in-charge for upcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir," it said.
Around 300 paramilitary companies deployed in Kashmir ahead of assembly polls
As many as 298 companies of paramilitary forces, including Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sahastra Seema Bal, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, have been deployed for the providing security for the smooth conduct of the assembly polls in the Kashmir valley.
Fully geared up for upcoming round of elections: KC Venugopal after key Congress meeting
KC Venugopal, Congress General Secretary, declared the party prepared for upcoming elections after a meeting in Delhi led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Emphasizing public dissatisfaction with the BJP, they discussed assembly elections scheduled in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. Maharashtra elections have been temporarily postponed due to security concerns.
Jammu and Kashmir polls: PDP names Iltija Mufti as Bijbehara assembly constituency in-charge
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, was named constituency in-charge for the Bijbehara assembly seat in Jammu and Kashmir. PDP also appointed leaders for seven other segments in south Kashmir. The first phase of the three-phased assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will start on September 18.
Azad's DPAP 'outrightly rejected' by people, punished for 'idea of leaving Cong': JKPCC chief Karra
The Congress, under new J&K chief Tariq Hameed Karra, is open to alliances with like-minded parties for state elections. Karra criticized the Centre’s action of converting Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, calling for the restoration of statehood. Talks with the National Conference and PDP for an electoral alliance are underway.
Ease of voting for Kashmiri migrants to continue in J&K Assembly polls: CEC
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that the simplified voting process for Kashmiri migrants, introduced during the Lok Sabha polls, would be maintained for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. This decision comes after witnessing significant voter turnout and engagement. The elections are set to occur in three phases starting September 18.
'Conspiracy' to keep me in jail till Delhi Assembly polls failed: Manish Sisodia
Manish Sisodia, a senior AAP leader, met residents of Patparganj as part of his 'Padyatra' campaign, accusing BJP of a failed conspiracy to keep him jailed. Without naming individuals, he alleged that central agencies filed serious charges against him. Sisodia aims to visit all 70 Delhi Assembly constituencies before the February 2025 polls.
BJP has cheated people in the state: Congress after Haryana poll announcement
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala has accused the BJP-led Haryana government of betraying the state's people over the past decade and expressed confidence that the upcoming assembly elections on October 1 will signal the end of BJP rule. Surjewala criticized the BJP for its failures and promised that the people of Haryana will vote for change.
Haryana polls: How the BJP is planning to take on resurgent Congress
The Election Commission has announced October 1 as the date for Haryana assembly polls. The contest primarily pits the incumbent BJP, which faces an erosion of support, against a revitalized Congress led by former CM Bhupinder Hooda. A series of defections and the break-up with ally JJP have left the BJP vulnerable. The party aims to regain support with welfare schemes, while Congress hopes anti-incumbency will help them win. The 2019 elections saw BJP form a coalition government, but recent shifts suggest a challenging electoral battle.
Opposition questions PM's 'one nation, one election' push after EC excludes Maharashtra from upcoming Assembly polls
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar explained the rationale behind the decision, stating that logistical and security concerns influenced the EC's approach. "Last time, Maharashtra and Haryana elections were held together. This time, with four states due for elections and heavy rainfall in Maharashtra, as well as several festivals lined up, we decided to conduct elections in two states together," Kumar said. He added that the additional factors of security force requirements also played a role in the decision.
Congress capable of winning on its own in Haryana, no alliance talks with any party yet: Bhupinder Hooda
Bhupinder Singh Hooda affirmed the Congress's ability to secure victory in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections without alliances and mentioned that no discussions had taken place with AAP. Hooda highlighted key issues like the Agnipath scheme and MSP's legal guarantee and detailed plans such as increasing old-age pensions and lifting the state's investment climate.
Assembly Polls: BJP plans to announce candidates early
With the end of the Parliament session, BJP focused on assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. The party prepared to announce its first list of candidates and aimed to overcome SC community opposition. Coordination with Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP was needed in Maharashtra to finalize candidates.
Time ripe to hold J&K assembly polls: Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar
Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that Jammu and Kashmir are ready for assembly elections. Following discussions with political parties, the Election Commission will evaluate the security situation before announcing dates. The Supreme Court has suggested elections be conducted by September 30, 2023, with updated electoral rolls to be released on August 20.
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