Politics

Politics

Hope Ganderbal will elect me again, Never taken any Election easy: Omar Abdullah

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National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that he has never taken election easy, adding that he hope People of Ganderbal will elect him again.

Speaking to reporters here at Ganderbal Omar said that they are standing against the BJP with a united front and there was need to have alliance for Pir Panjal areas to keep BJP out.

According to KNS correspondent, On accusations that he has sacrificed his principles for power, Omar said that the people who are making such accusations are his own relatives.

“If they were bound by their own principles, then they should have stayed out of this as well”, he added.

He further said that while he believes the current assembly lacks the strength it should have, “we can only strengthen this assembly through this assembly.

Responding to a question that the Chief Minister cannot even transfer an MP, he said, “I will not go into that. But today, we are not electing a Chief Minister. We want to make him an MLA first, and then we will decide who will be the Chief Minister after October 4.”

Regarding concerns raised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that Er Rashid could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence, he said, “A voter does not decide on a bail. Bail is decided in court.”

He added that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had similarly opposed the withdrawal of the case against Farooq Abdullah, but “the court decided, and the case was withdrawn.”

He also said the court will decide on September 4. “I think the NIA will fail their argument, just like the ED did.”(KNS)

Politics

Omar Abdullah Urges PDP to Refrain from Fielding Candidates Against NC-Congress Alliance

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National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of “imitating” their manifesto and asked the Mehbooba Mufti-led party to not field candidates against the NC.

Addressing the public in Ganderbal, Omar Abdullah said, “They (PDP) should’ve made a different manifesto, we spoke of 200 units of electricity, and they also did. We spoke of one lakh jobs, and they also did. We spoke about the reopening of blocked roads, which is also there in their manifesto.

We spoke of open dialogue, which is also there in their manifesto. Everything in the National Conference’s manifesto is present in their (PDP’s) manifesto also.”

Omar Abdullah also urged the PDP to not field candidates against the NC-Congress alliance. Abdullah’s remarks come after Mehbooba Mufti showed willingness to support the NC-Congress alliance provided they support PDP’s agenda.

Omar Abdullah said, “They (PDP) said that if NC and Congress agree with their manifesto, then they will not launch their candidates. Now that all of our agenda is in your manifesto, there is no difference between our agendas, then you should remove your candidates from the election.

Earlier Mehbooba Mufti said that if the Congress-NC alliance are ready to accept PDP’s agenda they are ready to support them.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have given an answer to the BJP government from the Lok Sabha polls that there are issues in Jammu and Kasmir and by removing Article 370, it has become more complicated.

Whenever we allied with any party we had a motive, an agenda, what we have to do. That’s why I said that if they (Congress) are ready to accept our agenda, we are ready to support them,” Mufti said.

NC’s manifesto envisaged the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood before August 5, 2019.

NC Manifesto has also promised free electricity for upto 200 units, a comprehensive job package for youth, and to encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan.

PDP released its manifesto after NC and along the same lines. PDP also mentioned the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A and diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan and ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, according to the Election Commission of India. The counting of votes will take place on October 4.

These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)

Politics

Shiekh Ashiq likely contest Assembly Elections from Srinagar

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Former Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Shiekh Ashiq is likely to contest Assembly Elections 2024 from Srinagar on AIP seat, sources on Sunday said.

Sources confirmed to Different News Agencies that Shiekh Ashiq will join active politics and talks are underway between Awami Ithehad Party led by Jailed MP Er. Rasheed.“Talks are going on between Engineer Rashid’s party and Sheikh Ashiq who is  prominent trade leader and former President of KCCI,” he said.

Sources further said in comming days, Shiekh Ashiq will join AIP in presence of senior leaders of the party. It will help AIP also for strong base in Srinagar city,” he said.

News / Politics

Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir Continues is Unfortunate and Participating in elections is a welcome move: Omer Abdullah

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Reacting to reports of Jamaat-i-Islami to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said that the beauty of democracy is that anyone can contest polls.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) he came across news reports that JeI was trying to get its ban lifted, so they could contest the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“But, unfortunately the government did not lift the ban even after elections were announced in J&K. Now there are news reports JeI is fielding its candidates as independents, which is a welcome step. We wanted them to contest polls on their own symbol, however, the ban on the organisation has not been lifted,” he said.

He also said that now that they have decided to contest polls as independents, let them come forward with their our manifest and promises. “It is up to the people whom they will choose. We welcome them if they have decided to contest elections,” Omar added.

Replying to query that there are reports about fissures in the NC-Congress alliance, he stated that it’s up to the party to decided things.

He also said that it is welcome development that home minister Amit Shah has read the manifesto of the National Conference and he mentioned about the same.

“I thank Amit Shah for mentioning our manifesto. After his comments I once again went through our manifesto and ensured if we haven’t missed anything. A person like home minister of the country reading one parties manifesto is big achievement for us,” he said—(KNO)

News / Politics

Finally Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir to Field Former Members as Independent Candidates in kashmir Assembly Elections

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The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir is set to field its former members as Independent candidates in several seats in the upcoming Assembly polls, The Indian Express has learnt.

Jamaat leaders had earlier said they are waiting for the Centre to lift the ban, in place under the UABASHAARAT MASOOPA since February 2019, with sources saying several rounds of talks had happened with the government. However, on Friday, the UAPA upheld the orders passed by the MHA declaring the Jamaat as an unlawful association under the Act.

Sources in the Jamaat said that following a meeting of its top body, it has been decided to field its former members as Independent candidates. “We have decided to field 10-12 members as Independents,” said a source from the organisation. “These will be in seats where we believe we have considerable support.”

In the first phase, the banned organisation is looking at around half a dozen seats, including Kulgam, Devsar, Bijbehara, Zainpora, Tral, Pulwama and Rajpora in south Kashmir.“We had a threadbare discussion on three options. The first was to form a front and fight under its banner; the second option was to be part of an alliance; and the third was to contest as Independents,” a source privy to the meeting said.

“While being part of any alliance was ruled out, the members were of the opinion that a front can’t be registered within a short time, and in any case such candidates will have to contest as Independents. So we went with the third option,” the source said, adding that those contesting will be former rukn or registered members of the Jamaat.

While the Jamaat has stayed away from the election since 1987, when they last participated under the banner of the Muslim United Front, it is eager to return to electoral politics to show its willingness to enter the mainstream.

“We are called a terror organisation, anti-democracy. We can’t contest elections as Jamaat members but we want to show that we believe in democracy, in the Constitution,” the source said.

“In the coming days, we will also take a decision on seats we will contest in the second and third phases.” A final call on candidates is awaited, sources said.

“We know we have very little time at hand, and by Sunday, we expect to come out with a list of candidates,” said the source. “We don’t know how state will react – whether they will accept the nomination or not.” (Indian Express)

Politics

Dr Mehboob Beg of PDP Filed Nomination Papers for 44-Anantnag Assembly constituency

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As nomination process continues in Anantnag District, one candidate filed his nomination papers today for the 44-Anantnag Assembly constituency, here.

Dr Mehboob Beg from JKPDP submitted his nomination papers in the office of Returning Officer 44-Anantnag AC. This was the first nomination filed so far in the district Anantnag.

The district comprises of seven (07) Assembly Constituencies, nominations for which can be filed till 27th August, 2024.

Politics

J&K Party Workers Importan Meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge Today Ahead of Assembly election

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Kharge and Rahul Gandhi

As the election commission of India announced the dates of the state assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge will be holding a meeting with the party workers of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

Security has been heightened outside the hotel where Rahul Gandhi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge will be holding a meeting with party workers today.

Arshid Tantary a Congress youth leader said ” As you can see when Rahul Gandhi came to Srinagar yesterday, people were excited from the airport to the hotel. We have a worker’s meeting today. Around 500 workers are meeting him today. everyone wants to vote for the Congress”.

Asif Beigh Congress Youth Gen secretary of Jammu and Kashmir said on the occasion “We were with Rahul Gandhi toll 3 AM, then we started preparing for the event. we are filled with enthusiasm as our leader Rahul Gandhi is here. Rahul Gandhi will spread his ‘Mohabbat ka dukan’ in Jammu and Kashmir and will form ties with secular forces”.

Congress is likely to ally with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference ahead of the polls. The two parties had contested the Lok Sabha polls in alliance.

On August 18, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said that his party has started preparing for the Assembly elections.

“Give us some time, we have begun our preparations. On August 20, the notification will be issued for the first phase. Following this, we will announce the names of our candidates and hope for a victory.

It would be better if the BJP doesn’t talk about over-confidence. We only said that we were hoping to receive the support of the people and get a chance to form the government. We are not counting the number of seats. The BJP has always counted the number (seats) here,” Omar said.

Omar Abdullah also launched the Party manifesto that includes some huge promises like- restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The first guarantee of the NC’s manifesto envisages the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019.

The polling in the Union Territory will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. These are the first elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

The election body has directed the enforcement agencies to be impartial and transparent for smooth and fair polling, ensuring a level playing field.

There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are general, nine are ST, and seven are SC. There are 87.09 lakh total electors, including 44.46 lakh are male, 42.62 lakh are female, 169 are transgender, 82,590 PwDs, 73943 are very senior citizens, 2660 are centenarians, 76092 are service electors, and 3.71 lakh are first-time voters.

Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014.

The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024. (ANI)

Politics

On August 21 and 22 Malik Arjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi is Visiting J&K

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Jammu and Srinagar for key meetings in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said on Tuesday.

“On 21st and 22nd August, Hon’ble Congress President Shri Mallikarjun @kharge ji and Leader of Opposition Shri @RahulGandhi ji will be visiting Jammu and Srinagar for key meetings in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections,” Venugopal said in a post on X.

Whether Congress and the JKNC will partner in the state elections remains to be seen. Both parties are constituents of the INDIA bloc and contested the Lok Sabha polls in an alliance.

On August 18, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said that his party has started preparing for the Assembly elections.

“Give us some time, we have begun our preparations. On August 20, the notification will be issued for the first phase. Following this, we will announce the names of our candidates and hope for a victory.

It would be better if the BJP doesn’t talk about over-confidence. We only said that we were hoping to receive the support of the people and get a chance to form the government. We are not counting the number of seats. The BJP has always counted the number (seats) here,” Omar said.

Omar Abdullah also launched the Party manifesto that includes some huge promises like- restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The first guarantee of the NC’s manifesto envisages the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019.

The polling in the UT will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. These are the first elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

The election body has directed the enforcement agencies to be impartial and transparent for smooth and fair polling, ensuring a level playing field. There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are general, nine are ST, and seven are SC.

There are 87.09 lakh total electors, including 44.46 lakh are male, 42.62 lakh are female, 169 are transgender, 82,590 PwDs, 73943 are very senior citizens, 2660 are centenarians, 76092 are service electors, and 3.71 lakh are first-time voters.

Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti.

In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024. (ANI)

Politics

Zafar Iqbal Manhas Vice President Apni Party Resigned From Party and Joining Congress Tomorrow

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Apni Party vice president, Zafar Iqbal Manhas along with his son Tuesday resigned from the Apni Party and are likely to join Congress tomorrow.Zafar Iqbal Manhas confirmed  that he has resigned from the Apni Party and further course of action will be decided after feedback from his workers.

Meanwhile, sources said workers meeting is going on at his residence and final decision is expected soon.They said that Manhas will join the Congress on Wednesday in the presence of senior party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Manhas was one of the founding members of the Apni Party after he parted ways with the Peoples Democratic Party.His son Irfan Manhas is currently vice chairperson of DDC Council Shopian—(KNO)

Politics

TO Discuss Pre-Poll Alliance with National Confrence Rahul Gandhi visiting J&K tomorrow

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Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir for two days from tomorrow, sources said on Tuesday.

Sources told that Rahul Gandhi will visit Jammu and Srinagar to hold meetings with National Conference leadership to finalise modalities for pre-poll alliance for the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir

“He will discuss seat-sharing formula with the NC leaders here, while pre-poll alliance is almost final,” they said.

Gandhi will also meet the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee leadership to discuss seat-sharing for the alliance—(KNO)