As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its first Assembly election post the abrogation of Article 370, the focus is on the Budhal Assembly constituency in the Anantnag district. With four candidates vying for the seat, the contest is likely to be closely fought. The seat, reserved for Scheduled Tribes, will see a total of four candidates from different political parties and backgrounds. Stay tuned for the updates on September 25 when the polling takes place and October 8 when the votes will be counted.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, made a dramatic appearance at her polling station in Anantnag for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mufti's presence and participation in the polls garnered immense attention, considering her house arrest for extended periods and previous political actions. The enthusiasm of voters at polling stations, despite the existing fear of cross-border shelling, noted after a long time. A renewed ceasefire between India and Pakistan greatly aided voter turnout.
In the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, more than 35 percent of the electorate has cast their votes until 1 pm. The highest turnout was recorded in Rajouri assembly segment with 52.74 percent, followed by Noweshera with 47.31 percent. However, three assembly segments, namely Anantnag, Anantnag-West, and Kulgam, had a turnout of less than 25 percent. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference leader Mian Altaf Ahmad, and Zafar Iqbal Manhas from Apni Party are among the 20 candidates vying for the seat.
The Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, which now comprises 18 assembly segments, is witnessing brisk polling with 23% of the electorate casting their votes till 11 AM. The highest voter turnout of 34.93% has been recorded in the Rajouri assembly segment. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is one of the 20 candidates in the fray, facing competition from National Conference leader Mian Altaf Ahmad and Apni Party's Zafar Iqbal Manhas. With the inclusion of areas from Poonch and Rajouri, the turnout is expected to be higher than previous elections.
Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has alleged that the BJP is resorting to intimidation tactics to secure a victory in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. She and her party workers have been detained in multiple areas, raising concerns about potential election rigging. This constituency, known for its challenges in conducting peaceful polls, faces heightened tensions amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Stay updated on the latest developments and voting trends in Anantnag and beyond on News24.
In a tragic incident, Raja Shah from Bihar was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the area. The attack, which took place at Jablipora in Bijbehara, has raised concerns about security in the region amidst the ongoing elections. In another dramatic event, the United Arab Emirates has experienced historic heavy rain, resulting in significant damage and one death. Experts are attributing the extreme weather event to climate change and potentially human intervention through cloud seeding, highlighting the challenges of pinpointing the exact cause.
As Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, many will also be reflecting on the ongoing conflict in Palestine. Advocacy, prayers, and charity for Palestinians were at the forefront of many Muslims' thoughts during the month of Ramadan. Despite the somber milestone of six months of conflict, the spirit of Eid will bring joy, family gatherings, and new clothes to Muslim communities worldwide.
The National Conference party has announced the nomination of Mian Altaf Ahmed, a popular and respected religious and political leader among the Gujjar/Bakarwal community, for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was made by party vice president Omar Abdullah on behalf of the party president, Farooq Abdullah. This nomination is seen as a strategic move by the NC to gain support from various segments of society, including Kashmiri-speaking Muslims, Gujjar/Bakarwal Muslims, and Pahari Muslims and Hindus. The constituency, which goes to vote on May 7, covers both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti's car was involved in an accident while she was on her way to Anantnag. Fortunately, she and her security officers escaped unhurt. The update was shared by the PDP Media Cell. Stay updated with the latest news on India.com.
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns about the security protocols in place for former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti after she narrowly escaped a road accident. Senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar highlighted the "serious lapses" in Mufti's security and expressed concern over the withdrawal of her spare car and the delayed arrangement of an alternative car during the incident. The party has demanded immediate attention and clarification from the authorities.