The Election Commission of India is set to reveal the much-awaited poll dates for several important states, including Maharashtra and Haryana, as well as the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. This will mark the first state elections in over a decade since the revocation of Article 370. Some significant changes have taken place, including the state being declared a union territory, an increase in the number of assembly seats, and a five-year term for the government. Notably, the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will not be participating in the elections, and a new party led by Ghulam Nabi Azad will also join the race.
Upcoming Assembly Elections in India: A Comprehensive Guide
Background
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is gearing up to announce the poll dates for several upcoming state assembly elections, including those in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir. These elections hold significant importance for the country's political landscape.
Key Upcoming Elections
Maharashtra:
Haryana:
Jammu and Kashmir:
Significant Changes in Jammu and Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has undergone several significant changes since the abrogation of its special status:
Top 5 FAQs
1. When will the ECI announce the poll dates?
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The upcoming assembly elections in India are poised to be a major political event. The results will have a significant impact on the governance and future direction of the affected states. As the ECI prepares to announce the poll dates, political parties and candidates are gearing up for an intense electoral battle.
In a fiery speech, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath predicted that India will reclaim POK under the leadership of BJP. He urged voters in Jammu and Kashmir to support the party for development and security in the state. Adityanath also placed the blame on Congress, PDP, and National Conference for promoting terrorism and neglecting Kashmir.
Amidst controversy over the Himachal Pradesh government's directive for food establishments to display their names, Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh has spoken in support of the rule, stating that the state is capable of making its own laws. The decision comes after a similar move in Uttar Pradesh, sparking questions about the Congress party's stance on Hindutva in the state. Singh clarified that the goal of the new regulation is to create organised food vending zones, ensuring safety and hygiene for all.
The Supreme Court granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The court highlighted that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, and that the delay in trial and the higher threshold under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for granting bail cannot go together. The judgement also noted the extraordinary powers of the Constitutional Courts in cases where there is an unreasonable delay in trial. In this case, the court has imposed strict conditions considering Balaji's influential position and the possibility of tampering with evidence.
In a unique purification ritual, BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya sprinkled a combination of Gangajal and gomutra (cow urine) on municipal officials and councillors in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage (JMCH) office. This was done to rid the office of "stains" of corruption and to "convert" Congress councillors into "Sanatanis" before they could lend support to the BJP. The new Mayor, Kusum Yadav, also assumed charge after recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and Vedic mantras. Acharya, known as the mahant of a popular temple in Jaipur, said that this ritual was necessary to purify the corrupt officials and councillors and bring an environment of purity to the municipal corporation.
Amid calls for his resignation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated that he will not step down as he denied any involvement in the MUDA site allotment 'scam'. The Special Court ordered a probe by the Lokayukta police in Mysuru against Siddaramaiah, setting the stage for an FIR to be registered against him. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also dismissed the possibility of Siddaramaiah resigning, calling the accusations a "political conspiracy" by the BJP and JD(S).
In her first press conference after becoming Delhi's chief minister, Atishi declared revised minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, stating they were the highest in the country. She also accused the BJP of being "anti-poor" and hindering the implementation of minimum wages in other states. The new rates, applicable from 1 October, were achieved through the Kejriwal government's efforts despite opposition from the BJP, according to Atishi.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning that his country could use nuclear weapons against Ukraine if it faced aggression, including attacks using conventional weapons. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, with Ukraine seeking permission from the UK and US to target Russian bases with long-range cruise missiles and supersonic battlefield range missiles. Russia’s ally China has called for calm, with President Xi Jinping cautioning against the use of nuclear weapons. This statement from Putin has sparked concerns about the possibility of a nuclear conflict in the region.
The Delhi High Court has ordered a halt to the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections and other college elections due to widespread acts of vandalism and defacement of public properties by candidates. The Court has directed that no counting shall take place until all defacement is removed and public properties are restored. This comes after a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda seeking action against those responsible for the defacement, and a separate petition by students highlighting violations of election conduct guidelines. The court has also been informed of an emergent meeting attended by 16 out of 21 candidates, where they were asked to file affidavits to remove all posters and graffiti.
After 471 days in prison, former Tamil Nadu Transport Minister Senthil Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his support for Balaji, accusing the Enforcement Directorate of targeting political opponents. DMK leader TKS Elangovan criticized the BJP government for misusing their power in handling cases involving their own party members. The ruling DMK party has stood by Balaji, claiming that the case against him is a politically-motivated effort to weaken the party.
Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan thanked Tamil actor Karthi for promptly apologizing for laughing when asked about the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus. He emphasized the need for public figures to handle sensitive topics like religion and culture with care and respect. Pawan Kalyan also extended his well wishes to Karthi and the team of their upcoming film while addressing the recent controversy stirred by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's accusations.