Over 2.5 million voters are casting their ballots for the second phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which is taking place in 6 districts and includes 26 assembly seats. Key contenders in this phase include former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra. The election results will be announced on October 8, with two more phases of voting scheduled for September 25 and October 1.
Rajouri: Second Phase of Jammu and Kashmir Elections Draws Over 2.5 Million Voters
The second phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir is underway, with over 2.5 million voters casting their ballots in 6 districts and 26 assembly seats. This phase is critical as it includes key contenders such as former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference and JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra.
Background
Jammu and Kashmir has been under Governor's rule since June 2018, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew support from its coalition government with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The current elections are being held to elect a new Legislative Assembly, which will form the government of the state.
Key Contenders
The second phase of elections features some of the most prominent politicians in Jammu and Kashmir.
Election Results
The election results for the second phase of voting will be announced on October 8. Two more phases of voting are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with the final results expected in early November.
Top 5 FAQs
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BJP member Nishikant Dubey has raised concerns over the nearly 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling for a probe into their sources, including the possible involvement of ISI and China. He believes the overwhelming response is statistically improbable and may have been orchestrated by foreign entities to manipulate the democratic process, posing a threat to national sovereignty. This demand for investigation highlights the contentious nature of the bill which seeks to interfere in religious affairs and has received opposition from opposition parties and minority groups.
On social media, a controversial video featuring cricketer Sarfaraz Khan has been going viral, with claims that it shows him calling fellow player Shubman Gill a "bad player" and criticizing his selection as Gujarat team captain. However, after fact-checking the video, India TV found that it was edited and audio from someone else was added. This serves as a reminder to be cautious and verify sources before sharing information online.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Haryana's Sonipat district for the upcoming state assembly elections. He praised the BJP-led government's progress in Haryana and highlighted the peaceful voting in Jammu and Kashmir. He also paid homage to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and urged voters to support the BJP for another term. The enthusiasm and excitement for the Haryana elections were evident as PM Modi addressed the rally.
The Central government has stated in court that X Corp, formerly known as Twitter, does not have the right to access the review committee orders that confirmed the government's decision to block certain accounts and content on the social media platform. The government argues that X Corp is merely an intermediary and not the author of the blocked content. However, X Corp argues that it has every right to access the review committee's orders as the government's decision to block accounts and content was based on those orders. The court is set to consider the matter further and will hear the case on November 12.
Bharatiya Janata Party member Nishikant Dubey has called for an investigation into the source of nearly 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in India. Dubey has raised concerns about the possible involvement of foreign powers like Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and China, as well as fundamentalist organizations and individuals like Zakir Naik. He has expressed the need for immediate attention to the geographical origin of these submissions and emphasized on the importance of preserving the integrity and independence of India's legislative process.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has introduced a new bill in the Senate to extend the term of the President and all elected leaders in Kenya from five to seven years. The proposed law also includes an amendment to remove the presidential term limit and replace it with an age limit of 75 years. This news has sparked discussions among Kenyans as they prepare for the next elections in 2022.
Today's elections in 15 constituencies located in central Kashmir will be a test for both politicians and voters. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other prominent candidates, including state party presidents, are among those facing the electoral test. These areas were once seen as strongholds of separatists, but the high voter turnout in the first phase of elections has raised hopes for increased democratic participation and development. However, separatist influence in certain constituencies, such as Lal Chowk and Eidgah Hazratbal, may still impact voting figures.
With over 25 lakh voters set to decide the fate of 239 candidates in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, all eyes are on key candidates including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra. The BJP's biggest bet will be put to test in the Pir Panchal valley, where they have been aggressively campaigning to win seats in the Muslim majority region. This phase is part of the three-phase elections being held in Jammu and Kashmir, with the results being announced on October 8.
Shellyne Rodriguez, a former college professor who previously put a machete to the neck of a newspaper reporter, was caught chanting about violence towards law enforcement officials and the Jewish community during an anti-Israel rally in Brooklyn. She was seen wearing a shirt that read "Police Murder People" while chanting with a group of protestors. This is not the first time Rodriguez has caused controversy, as she was fired from her teaching position in 2023 after the machete incident. She has now pleaded guilty and has been sentenced for her actions at the rally.