With the announcement of election dates, political activity in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified. All parties are now crafting their strategies and making statements. Amidst this, there were rumors of Ghulam Nabi Azad returning to Congress, but his party has dismissed these as unfounded.
Questions Raised About Congress
The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) issued a statement on Sunday asserting that the news of Ghulam Nabi Azad returning to Congress is completely baseless and spread by leaders of Jammu and Kashmir Congress.
BJP Gears Up for Elections
According to sources, the BJP will kick off its campaign next week. Key figures like PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and BJP President JP Nadda may hold rallies in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP plans to contest the elections alone and might align with smaller parties and independents in the Kashmir Valley.
Source: aajtak
Rashid Engineer's Brother May Contest
Reports suggest that Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, the younger brother of Engineer Rashid, may contest from the Langate seat in North Kashmir's Handwara. It is said that Khurshid Ahmad might take voluntary retirement from the Education Department soon. The AIP party gained prominence in Jammu and Kashmir politics when its patron, Engineer Rashid, defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over 100,000 votes in Baramulla. Notably, Rashid has been in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a money laundering and terrorism financing case.
Also Read: 'After Jammu and Kashmir Elections, We Will Pass a Resolution Against Revoking Article-370,' Says Omar Abdullah
Zulfikar Chaudhary Joins BJP
On Sunday, influential leader and former minister from Rajouri Poonch, Zulfikar Chaudhary, joined BJP along with his supporters. Zulfikar had previously served as a minister in the PDP-BJP government. On his decision, he said, 'BJP's policies and schemes have reached the last person in the queue. These factors compelled me to join BJP. Peace has been restored in Jammu and Kashmir, stone-pelting has ended, and the common man feels safer.'
Assembly Elections in Three Phases
Election results are set to be announced on October 4. The first phase of voting (24 seats) will be on September 18, the second phase (26 seats) on September 25, and the third phase (40 seats) on October 1.
First Phase Voting
-Pampore -Tral -Pulwama -Rajpora -Zainapora -Shopian -D.H. Pora -Kulgam -Devser -Doru -Kokernag (ST) -Anantnag West -Anantnag -Srigufwara -Bijbehara -Shangus -Anantnag East -Pahalgam -Inderwal -Kishtwar -Padder -Nagseni -Bhadarwah -Doda -Doda West -Ramban -Banihal
Second Phase Voting
-Kangan (ST) -Ganderbal -Hazratbal -Khanyar -Habbakadal -Lal Chowk -Channapora -Idgah -Central Shalteng -Budgam -Beerwah -Khansahib -Charar-e-Sharif -Chadura -Gulabgarh (ST) -Reasi -Shri Mata Vaishno Devi -Kalakot -Sunderbani -Nowshera -Rajouri (ST) -Budhal (ST) -Thannamandi (ST) -Surankote (ST) -Poonch Haveli -Mendhar (ST)
Third Phase Voting
-Karnah -Trehgam -Kupwara -Lolab -Handwara -Langate -Sopore -Rafiabad -Uri -Baramulla -Gulmarg -Wagoora -Kreeri -Pattan -Sonawari -Bandipora -Gurez (ST) -Udhampur West -Udhampur East -Chenani -Ramnagar (SC) -Bani -Billawar -Basohli -Jasrota -Kathua (SC) -Hiranagar -Ramgarh (SC) -Samba -Vijaypur -Bishnah (SC) -Suchetgarh (SC) -R.S. Pura -Jammu South -Bahu -Jammu East -Nagrota -Jammu West
