Haryana and J&K Assembly Elections 2024 Live Updates: BJP leader and former Haryana minister Bachan Singh Arya resigns from party

J&K Assembly elections: BJP's Udhampur candidate submits nomination papers for J-K Assembly polls

Pawan Kumar Gupta, BJP candidate from Udhampur West, submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, following a roadshow with BJP workers. The elections will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 8. This marks the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

Congress' internal rift: Rajesh Joon quits party over Haryana poll ticket snub, to go independent

day after the Congress announced its first list of 31 candidates for the Haryana Assembly polls, the party was forced to face rebellion of disappointed members as Rajesh Joon, a leader who was ignored for candidature from the Bahadurgarh seat quit.

He later declared that he would run as an independent. The Congress had chosen sitting MLA Rajendra Singh Joon for Bahadurgarh, located in Jhajjar district.

Rajesh Joon expressed his disappointment and discussed his next steps with reporters in Bahadurgarh. "I will fight the election as an independent," he said as quoted by news agency PTI. Read full story

J&K Assembly elections: Shah says only Centre can ensure statehood restoration, dismisses oppn's autonomy plank

Home Minister Amit Shah, during a rally in Jammu, dismissed the opposition's promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy and statehood, stating only the central government can do so. He assured the public that statehood will be restored after the assembly elections, which he emphasized are the first under the national flag and Constitution following the abrogation of Article 370. Shah criticized the National Conference-Congress alliance for past corruption and terrorism, while the opposition accused the BJP of spreading fear and confusion. Jammu and Kashmir's elections are set for September 18, 25, and October 1, with results on October 8.

RPF makes record seizure of gold, silver and cash worth over Rs 5 cr being illegally transported through rail

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northern Railway conducted a major seizure of illegal gold, silver, cash, and electronic items worth over ₹5 crore during intensive search operations at New Delhi, Ambala, and Bathinda railway stations on September 5, 2024. The operations were part of preparations ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Key recoveries included 2 kg of gold, artificial jewellery valued at ₹1.51 crore, ₹5 lakh in cash from Paschim Express, and electronic items worth ₹16 lakh from Bikaner Express. Further actions are being taken by the Income Tax Department and other relevant authorities.

J&K Assembly elections: Rahul Gandhi can roam around Kashmir because of PM Modi, says Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated on Saturday that the improved security situation in the Kashmir valley since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister has allowed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to freely explore the region. Singh remarked to reporters, "It is because of PM Modi, that Rahul Gandhi is free to roam around and enjoy his time in Kashmir. When they were in the centre and the state, they never dared to come out of their security blanket. It is PM Modi who has ensured their 'Azadi' and security."

More women registered to vote in J-K assembly polls than men

In Srinagar district's upcoming polls on September 25, women voters outnumber men in six out of eight assembly segments. The district has a total of 7,74,462 registered voters. To ensure smooth voting, the Election Commission has established 932 polling stations. Zadibal constituency leads with the highest number of registered voters. Read full story

"New journey not just politics, but fight for service, justice": Wrestler Vinesh Phogat

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who recently joined the Congress Party ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, met former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, expressing that her new journey is about service and justice. She acknowledged Hooda’s support during her protest against ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case. Vinesh also praised Hooda's sports policy, which boosted Haryana's leadership in sports.

J&K Assembly elections: BJP leader Manoj Tiwari slams Omar Abdullah's remarks on Afzal Guru hanging

BJP leader Manoj Tiwari on Saturday slammed Omar Abdullah's remarks pertaining to hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and said National Conference leader had made remarks which are "anti-country" and against the verdict of Supreme Court. "This statement of Omar Abdullah is a direct challenge to the Supreme Court's verdict. Afzal was hanged because he planned an attack on the Parliament. The terrorists did not succeed in entering the Parliament but around a dozen of our security personnel lost their lives. Omar Abdullah siding with a terrorist is directly against the Supreme Court's verdict," Tiwari told ANI. Read full story

Haryana Assembly elections: 'Kejriwal Haryana ka laal': AAP chief's wife urges electors to vote BJP out in upcoming polls

Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, called on Haryana voters to support AAP in the upcoming assembly elections. She accused the BJP of prioritizing power over public welfare and highlighted advancements in education and healthcare under AAP governance in Delhi and Punjab. She described her husband's rise as a 'miracle'. Read full story

Haryana assembly elections :Talks are ongoing; will announce candidates in 1-2 days, says AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar

With just five days left before the end of the deadline day for filing nominations for the upcoming Haryana Assembly Polls, Aam Aadmi Party National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said that talks are still on for an alliance between AAP and Congress to contest the polls together.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Kakkar said the party is continuously working in Haryana and is fully prepared to contest on all 90 seats.

"Talks are ongoing. It is too early to say anything right now. Aam Aadmi Party is continuously working in Haryana. Today, Sunita Kejriwal is also organising a jan-sabha. We are fully prepared to contest elections on all 90 seats... Work is still going; we haven't started our work in the last five days of nomination," she said. Read full story

BJP has 'struck a deal' with regional parties, independents to form J-K govt: Omar Abdullah

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Saturday alleged that the BJP has "struck a deal" with some regional parties and some independent candidates to be part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Jammu, Abdullah said he was "silent" about Apni Party and People's Conference during his speech at the BJP's manifesto launch on Friday.

"...those who have struck a deal with Delhi will not fulfill your demands. If you need evidence for this, just look at the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah in Jammu yesterday," the NC vice president said. Read full story

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections: Congress' Ghulam Ahmad Mir slams BJP

"People of Jammu and Kashmir want their rightful share in jobs, right on their land and property. They (people) will not believe the empty slogans of BJP," said Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir

Haryana Assembly elections: BJP leader Om Prakash Dhankar speaks out on the Congress-AAP alliance

Dhankar told ANI, "Congress will fall down further as soon as it joins hands with AAP... Congress needs to take in writing that work on the SYL canal will begin. This is the only issue which can save both the parties in the state..."

Haryana Assembly elections: BJP downplays wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress and says anyone can join Congress

BJP brass, sources said, was of the view that the case against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was dropped as party's candidate from Kaiserganj LS seat, was sub judice and its merit should not be questioned based on political leanings of the wrestlers even as the two were at forefront of the campaign.BJP netas recalled that PM Modi gave instructions to IOA officials to take all measures to fight the case against IOC decision to disqualify Phogat from medal race at Paris Olympics as they reasserted that sports & politics shouldn't be "mixed" and that anyone willing to join politics was welcome. Read full story

‘Whoever underestimates us will …’: AAP exudes confidence in contesting Haryana polls aloned

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national general secretary Sandeep Pathak has made it clear that the party is fully prepared to contest all 90 seats in Haryana independently if necessary. Amidst the ongoing deadlock between AAP and Congress regarding a potential alliance, Pathak warned that those underestimating his party will "regret it in the future." Read full story

Haryana Assembly elections: BJP leader and former Haryana minister Bachan Singh Arya resigns from the party.

BJP leader and former Haryana minister Bachan Singh Arya has resigned from the party after being denied a ticket for the upcoming elections.Arya, who hails from Safidon in Jind district, expressed disappointment over the decision. The BJP has chosen former JJP MLA Ramkumar Gautam to contest from Narnaund instead. Read full story

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections: "What does he want to solve?" BJP's Kavinder Gupta hits out at Omar Abdullah's remarks on Afzal Guru

In response to Omar Abdullah's comments on Afzal Guru, BJP leader Kavinder Gupta questioned Abdullah's intentions. Gupta accused the former Deputy CM of Jammu and Kashmir of seeking support from terrorists and objecting to the death penalty given to anti-national elements who conspired against India.

"After all, what does Omar Abdullah want to solve? If anti-national elements who hatched a conspiracy against India are given the death penalty, why do they object to this? They want to create a situation by taking support from terrorists. They are taking support from terrorists; that is why he is speaking such language," Gupta said.
Previously, Omar Abdullah had clarified that the Jammu and Kashmir government was not involved in the execution of Afzal Guru. He stated that if the state's approval had been necessary, it would not have been granted. Read full story

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections: 'Till there is no peace, no talks with Pakistan,' says Amit Shah

Launching a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference's manifesto, Union minister and BJP leader Amit Shah said on Saturday that they want to bring back the old system and start talks with Pakistan but "till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan."

Criticising the Congress and National Conference's manifesto, Shah said that they want to spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits, release criminals and start LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union home minister Amit Shah, in a big charge on Saturday, said the Congress and National Conference (NC) alliance wants to release the separatists and terrorist sympathisers to destabalise Jammu and Kashmir. The home minister also claimed that the three parties, Congress, NC and Mehbooba Mufti's PDP, "want to push J&K into the fire of terrorism".

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections: 70% decline in terrorism under Modi government, says Amit Shah

"Kashmir bore the brunt of terrorism for decades, 10 years of Modi government brought terror incidents down by 70 percent," Amit Shah said while addressing Karyakarta Sammelan in Palaura, Jammu.

J&K Assembly Elections: These J-K elections are important elections as they are first under one flag, one Constitution, says Home minister Amit Shah

"NC-Congress alliance wants to release separatists and terrorist sympathisers to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir," said Union minister Amit Shah during BJP's 'Vijay Sankalp' booth workers meeting in Jammu

J&K Assembly Elections Live: 'It is a coincidence that the first election rally of BJP is starting on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi,' says Amit Shah

"For the first time, voting will be held under the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar. There can't be two PMs in the country, there can only be one PM whom people of Kashmir to Kanyakumari elect and that is PM Modi," said Union home minister Amit Shah.

J&K Assemmbly Elections: 'This will be the first time since Independence that the voters of J&K will cast their vote under the one Tricolour and not under two flags,' says Amit Shah

"The upcoming election is a historic election. This will be the first time since Independence that the voters of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their vote under the one Tricolour and not under two flags. For the first time, voting will be held under the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar. There can't be two PMs in the country, there can only be one PM whom people of Kashmir to Kanyakumari elect and that is PM Modi," said Union home minister Amit Shah during BJP's 'Vijay Sankalp' booth workers meeting in Jammu

J&K Assembly Elections: 'This is a historic elections,' says Amit Shah in Jammu

J&K will be voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. First phase of voting is scheduled on September 18, the other two rounds will be held on September 25 and October 1. Counting to take place on October 8.

J&K Assembly Elections: Union minister Amit Shah addresses rally in Jammu

J&K Assembly Elections: Nine FIRs lodged, five government employees suspended for poll code violations in J&K

The chief electoral officer's office has reported that in Jammu and Kashmir, nine FIRs have been registered and five government employees have been suspended for breaching the Model Code of Conduct. The office also said that 23 warnings were given and investigations were ongoing in 48 cases of poll code violations.

On August 16, the Model Code of Conduct for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections came into force.

According to the CEO's office, there have been 175 reported instances of poll code violations across Jammu and Kashmir, with 96 cases against political parties and candidates and 53 cases against government employees.

Nevertheless, 89 complaints were dismissed as they were determined to be "baseless and false". Furthermore, the authorities in Srinagar suspended five government employees for engaging in political activities, and additional investigations were initiated against them.

Haryana Assembly Elections: It is known to the whole country that this entire protest was happening at the behest of Congress and its mastermind was Deepender Hooda, the Hooda family, says Sanjay Singh, president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)

On Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, Sanjay Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said, "This was bound to happen. It is known to the whole country that this entire protest was happening at the behest of Congress and its mastermind was Deepender Hooda, the Hooda family. The foundation of this protest was laid on the day when our Prime Minister praised Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying that wrestling is in safe hands."

Congress party on Friday denounced the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, calling it a "jumla patra" filled with empty promises.

Pledging to ensure that Articles 370 and 35A are never restored and remain part of history, BJP Friday released its manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, making 25 promises, including a slew of freebies, increase in ‘Kisan Samman Nidhi’ from Rs 6,000 per year to Rs 10,000 and restoration of 100 ruined temples.

Releasing the manifesto, senior BJP leader and home minister Amit Shah asserted that Article 370 was buried forever and BJP won’t allow efforts for its restoration while he mentioned the party’s promise to release a ‘white paper’ on over 40,000 killings in J&K and fix responsibility.

BJP's core committee called an emergency meeting on Friday in New Delhi as senior BJP politicians, including former ministers, MLAs and other party seniors, continued to fume at not finding a place in the list of candidates for the Haryana assembly polls or feared that they would be dropped.

Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli, in response to the decision of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to join the Congress party, said on Saturday that athletes are the pride of the nation and that the BJP does not politicise them.

"Khiladi humaare desh ki shaan hain aur khiladiyon pe hum rajneeti nahi karte (Players are the pride of our country, we don't do politics on them. They will work as members of Congress after joining)," the Haryana BJP president said while talking to news agency ANI.

Haryana Assembly Elections: 'Players are the pride of our country, we don't do politics on them,' says Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli

Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli said, "We will announce the next list for the Haryana Assembly elections soon."

Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli also commented on the recent development of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining the Congress party. He said, "Players are the pride of our country, we don't do politics on them...They will work as a member of Congress after joining."

Haryana Assembly Elections: Getting a ticket is not an easy thing. I got the ticket and I am very happy, says Congress MLA Bishan Lal Saini

Congress MLA from Radaur, Bishan Lal Saini said, "I am very happy that my name is there in the list (for Haryana Assembly polls)...Getting a ticket is not an easy thing...I got the ticket and I am very happy. I believe we will win by more votes. We will carry forward the development works in Radaur."

Haryana Assembly Elections: INDIA bloc unity can write new history in Haryana, says Akhilesh

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, expressed his confidence on Friday that the united front of the INDIA bloc has the potential to create a new chapter in Haryana's electoral history. He emphasized the importance of transcending individual interests to counter the BJP's "crooked and selfish politics". Yadav pledged his party's support to any INDIA bloc member who demonstrates the greatest capability to overcome the BJP's "negative, communal, and divisive politics" in the state of Haryana.

His remarks come amidst ongoing negotiations between the Congress and AAP regarding seat allocation for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, with both parties engaging in intense bargaining.

In a message posted on the social media platform X, Yadav stressed that the current moment demands sacrifice and selflessness from the SP and all other constituents of the INDIA bloc, rather than pursuing political advantages.

J&K Assembly elections: BJP's Kavinder Gupta praises party's manifesto for J-K Assembly polls, says "it is in the interest of the nation"

BJP leader Kavinder Gupta said that the party's manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir should be referred to as the 'Sankalp Patra' rather than a manifesto, as it serves the interests of the nation. In an interview with ANI, Gupta emphasized, "We call it the Sankalp Patra instead of the manifesto, as it is in the interest of the nation, state, and society. It has been the history of the BJP to do what we have said and do what we have not said."

Gupta expressed confidence that the people will support the BJP based on the development the party has brought to Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, "People will support us seeing the development that we have done here."

Congress releases its first list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

Congress released its first list of candidates on Friday for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections on October 5.

The list comprising 31 names included wrestler Vinesh Phogat who had joined the party just hours before along with Bajrang Punia. While Phogat was given the party ticket for Haryana polls, Punia was named the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress. Read full story

Bajrang Punia appointed working chief of All India Kisan Congress

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday approved the appointment of wrestler Bajrang Punia as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress. The decision was announced just hours after Punia, a Tokyo Olympics medalist, joined the Congress party alongside his fellow wrestler and relative, Vinesh Phogat. Read full story

J&K Assembly elections: India not in favour of talks with Pakistan until terrorism ceases, says Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that India will not engage in talks with Pakistan unless terrorism ceases, stating, "talks and bombs cannot go together." He dismissed any possibility of restoring Article 370, calling it history, and reaffirmed the BJP's commitment to reservation policies for marginalized communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah also criticized Congress and the National Conference (NC) for advocating Article 370's restoration and cross-LoC trade. He reassured that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored at an appropriate time and dismissed concerns over a hung assembly.

Haryana Assembly elections: Congress-AAP alliance talks underway for Haryana Assembly polls; Raghav Chaddha says 'every possible effort being made'

Raghav Chaddha, a Member of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party, announced on Friday that discussions are underway between the Congress and AAP to establish an alliance for the upcoming Haryana Assembly Elections. He emphasized that this effort is being made in the interest of the nation, and all possible measures are being taken to ensure its success. "Talks are going on. We are hopeful that an alliance will form in favour of Haryana and the country. Every possible effort is being made," the AAP MP said.

Deepak Babaria, the All India Congress Committee in-charge of Haryana, also verified the ongoing negotiations with AAP regarding the Haryana polls. In addition to the AAP, he mentioned that other INDIA bloc partners, such as the Communist Party of India (CPIM) and the Samajwadi Party, have expressed their interest in joining forces with the Congress to contest the state assembly elections together.

J&K Assembly elections: Former deputy CM and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta talks about BJP manifesto

Gupta said, "We call it Sankalp Patra instead of the manifesto as it is in the interest of the nation, state and society. It has been the history of the BJP, that we have done what we have said and we have also done what we haven't said. People will support us seeing the development that we have done here..."

Haryana elections live: AAP may go solo in Haryana polls as alliance talks with Cong hit roadblock, claim party sources

The negotiations between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding seat sharing for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections have reached an impasse, according to party sources quoted by PTI. The AAP is now considering fielding candidates in 50 constituencies across the state. Sources within the party claimed that the AAP is expected to announce its initial list of candidates on Sunday, just prior to a meeting of the Congress' central election committee.

According to PTI, sources in the AAP said, "The alliance talks are on the verge of collapse in Haryana and the AAP is planning to contest 50 of the 90 assembly seats in the state on its own."

Previously, party insiders had indicated that the AAP was seeking 10 assembly seats in Haryana, while the Congress was willing to offer between five and seven seats. However, sources suggest that an agreement on seat sharing remains elusive.

'I don't think people of J-K are ready to take any party born in relations with BJP': NC's Omar Abdullah

In a recent interview with ANI, Omar Abdullah, the National Conference leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed doubts about the trustworthiness of political parties that form alliances with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly in the Kashmir region.
Abdullah also discussed his previous collaborations with the BJP, highlighting that in the current circumstances, there is no common ground between the two parties regarding their goals for the valley. He emphasized the involvement of independent candidates in past elections but noted the recent "mushrooming of political outfits."

"When didn't you see independents fighting. In the 2002 government, when Mufti saahab formed an alliance with the Congress, there were atleast 14 or 15 independents at that time. I know this for the fact that they were offering their support to us as well, who were kept in the Lalit hotel, who were then part of the Mufti Sayeed government. You've had independents; what is changing is some mushrooming of political outfits, but to a large extent the Parliament elections have queered the pitch for them," Abdullah said while speaking to ANI.

BJP Darakhshan Andrabi on party manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections 2024

"Our manifesto is better than ones released by other parties, and it will take Jammu and Kashmir towards development," says BJP's Darakhshan Andrabi

Haryana CEC meeting underway at AICC headquarters in Delhi.

Amit Shah, during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in the region. Shah said that the BJP's focus in Jammu and Kashmir would be on eradicating terrorism and separatism while pushing for development, progress, and empowerment of marginalised communities.

Shah highlighted the ‘Rishi Kashyapa Pilgrimage Rejuvenation Drive,’ aimed at restoring 100 Hindu temples, including iconic sites like the Shankaracharya, Raghunath, and Martanda Sun Temples. Additionally, the ‘Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana’ will focus on rehabilitating displaced Kashmiri Pandits and ensuring benefits for all displaced persons from Jammu & Kashmir.

Shah said, "By wiping out terrorism and separatism, we will make Jammu and Kashmir a leader in development and progress in the nation." He also highlighted the BJP's commitment to implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women-led development, introducing key welfare schemes for women, youth, farmers, and various underprivileged groups.

If Vinesh wants to become 'Cong ki beti' from 'desh ki beti', what objection could we have: Anil Vij

Haryana BJP leader Anil Vij criticized wrestler Vinesh Phogat for joining Congress ahead of the state Assembly elections. He accused Congress of influencing athletes to protest against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations. Both Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined Congress, meeting senior leaders in New Delhi. Read full story

We have always tried to keep this land intact with India: Amit Shah

"Since Independence, Jammu & Kashmir has been important for our party. We have always tried to keep this land intact with India... Our party believes that J&K has always been part of India and it will remain so. Till 2014, J&K always remain in the shadow of separatism and terrorism. Different state and non-state actors kept the state unstable. All the govt dealt with the state with a policy of appeasement. Whenever the history of J&K will be written, these ten years after 2014 will be marked as a golden period for the state," said Shah.

J&K Assembly elections: Widow and disability pension to be increased, promises BJP's manifesto

Through Atal Housing Scheme, land will be allotted free of cost to landless beneficiaries and old age, widow and disability pension will be increased three times.

J&K Assembly elections :BJP's resolution for Jammu and Kashmir

To convert the state from a terrorist hotspot to a tourist spot," according to BJP's 'Sankalpa Patra'

J&K Assembly elections: Amit Shah calls out Rahul Gandhi, Congress

"I want to ask Rahul Gandhi ji that you should clarify before the people of the country and Jammu & Kashmir that nothing will happen if you maintain silence.

Does the Congress Party agree with the agenda of the National Conference or not? Please answer yes or no," said Shah.