After two successful editions, the highly anticipated Legends League Cricket will return for its third season with a unique twist - matches will take place in Jammu and Srinagar, two cities that have not hosted cricket for 40 years. Former cricketers such as Chris Gayle and Harbhajan Singh will once again take the stage, along with new teams and host cities, making for an exciting tournament. With 25 matches and a new playoff format, this year's Legends League Cricket promises to be a thrilling event for all cricket fans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On the eve of the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, polling officials can be seen leaving for their respective polling stations. This phase will see the fate of many prominent political faces being sealed, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC vice-president, who will face a tough challenge from 16 and 7 contestants respectively in Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies. Other key candidates to watch out for are JKAP founder Altaf Bukhari, contesting for the first time from Chanapora, and PCC president Tariq Hameed Karra, fighting against 12 candidates in Central Shaltengh. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Sugra Barkati, daughter of jailed contestant Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, has managed to garner significant support in Shopian's Beerwah constituency.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has officially stated that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will never be restored as it is now "history." During his visit to the valley, Shah also announced the release of a new BJP manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections, which includes promises of development and progress for the state. The removal of Article 370 in 2019 has sparked controversy and division among political parties in the region, with some promising to restore it if elected into power. However, Shah made it clear that the BJP will never allow it to be reinstated, stating that it only caused harm to the youth and stability of the state.
With the Assembly polls nearing, Home Minister Amit Shah lambasted the Congress-NC alliance during a rally in Jammu, accusing them of attempting to revive the "old system" in the region. He also promised that statehood would be restored at an "appropriate time" after the elections, and emphasized that the NDA government will continue to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP's manifesto for the upcoming polls includes a unique scheme that will provide financial assistance to the eldest woman in every family and free gas cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme.
Following an interview with ANI, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, recalls the 1999 IC814 hijacking and its connections to an earlier kidnapping in 1989 when Rubaiya Sayed, daughter of Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was abducted by Kashmiri separatists. Abdullah explains the precedent set during the negotiation for Rubaiya's release, and how it became a benchmark for similar situations, such as the IC814 hijacking. He also shares insights on Afzal Guru's execution and the state's role in the decision-making process.
The Congress party has slammed the BJP's manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, accusing it of being a "jumla patra" and using false promises to gain sympathy. The manifesto, released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, promises 25 guarantees including the restoration of 100 "ruined temples" and the creation of five lakh jobs. However, the Congress points out that these proposals were not considered during the BJP's tenure in the state and the party dismisses them as empty promises. The Congress also highlights the difficulties faced by the public under the BJP's rule, including heavy taxes, unemployment, and inflation.