The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi declared on Monday at a rally in Srinagar that he would ensure that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood is restored and that outsiders do not rule the erstwhile state.

Addressing a rally in Shalteng area, he said, "We want to give you statehood so that you can choose your own development, and I guarantee you, not outsiders, who are ruling as king here, will rule you."

Gandhi assured the crowd that Congress would pressure the BJP to restore statehood. "If they don't, I guarantee we will."

Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, criticizing the BJP government's decision to revoke it as a "historic injustice." "Normally, Union Territories are upgraded to States, but they downgraded a State to a UT," he said.

He lambasted the BJP's divisive politics, fostering hatred and prioritizing billionaires' interests. "They made one language fight another, one state against another, and brother against brother."

Gandhi shared his experiences from the Bharat Jodo Yatra, where he travelled 4,000 kilometres to spread love and unity. "Wherever they sowed seeds of hatred, we sowed seeds of love and harmony."

He criticized the BJP government's economic policies, pointing out the waiver of Rs 16 lakh crore loans for 25 select individuals while neglecting the poor, farmers and youth. "They have destroyed small businesses with GST and failed to provide employment."

The Congress leader promised to provide 1 lakh jobs and Rs 3000 unemployment stipend to J&K youth. "We want J&K to regain its autonomy, take its own decisions, and develop."

SRINAGAR — On September 4, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack against Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, accusing him of acting like a monarch and "snatching" the Union territory's resources.

Speaking at a rally in Ramban on Wednesday, Gandhi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for denying J&K statehood five years after the revocation of its special status.

Gandhi, the former Congress president, drew parallels between the current administration and the region's erstwhile monarchical rule, which ended after India’s independence in 1947.

"Today, there is a 'king' named LG in J&K, who is taking your money and giving it to outsiders," Gandhi claimed. He vowed that his party would prioritize restoring J&K's statehood, asserting that the withdrawal of its autonomous status had not only stripped the region of its state identity but also diluted its people's rights and resources.

Gandhi further criticized the BJP's stance on statehood and elections, stating, "We wanted statehood restored first, and then elections. The BJP says elections first, then statehood. But we will push so hard that statehood will have to be returned, regardless of what the BJP wants."

The upcoming Assembly elections, set to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, will be the first in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370, which ended the region’s special status.

The Congress party and its ally, the National Conference, have agreed to contest the polls together, with the National Conference running in 51 of the 90 Assembly seats and Congress fielding candidates in 32. A friendly contest is expected on the remaining five seats.

LG Manoj Sinha's responds to RaGa's criticism

Responding to Gandhi's comments, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha challenged the opposition leader to gauge public sentiment through a secret ballot.

Speaking at Aaj Tak’s 'Panchayat' event in Srinagar on Thursday, Sinha said he would resign if less than 75% of the people said that progress had been made in J&K over the past five years.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) should take the opinion of the public. If more than 75% do not say that work has been done for their welfare, I will resign," Sinha declared. He added that his administration was committed to ensuring free and fair elections, noting that political activities were already underway in the region.

Sinha also emphasized that J&K has seen significant voter participation, with the highest turnout in a Lok Sabha election in 35 years recorded earlier this year. He maintained that the people of J&K, especially in the Valley, have faith in India's democracy.

Reaffirming his support for the region's future government, Sinha remarked, "Whichever party forms the next government in J&K will have my full support."

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that Article 370 is no longer part of the Constitution, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court, and urged the opposition to acknowledge this change.

SRINAGAR — Suhail Bukhari, former Chief Spokesperson of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has joined the Congress party. This move follows his resignation from the PDP on August 20.

Bukhari, who was seeking a nomination to contest the upcoming elections from the Wagoora-Kreeri segment, was dissatisfied with the PDP leadership’s decision not to endorse his candidacy. His departure from the PDP was driven by this setback.

The Congress party has welcomed Bukhari’s entry, viewing it as a significant boost to their prospects in Jammu and Kashmir. His switch is expected to impact the political dynamics, especially in the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency where he has considerable support.

SRINAGAR — The National Conference (NC) and Congress have formed a pre-poll alliance for the J&K Assembly elections. The two parties have decided to go for seat sharing on 90 seats.

NC leaders said the party will field candidates from 51 seats, while INC will contest on 32 seats. However, they said that out of 32 seats, Congress will leave two seats, one each for CPI(M) and Panthers Party.

NC and Congress leaders said there will be a friendly contest on five seats in J&K, but in a very disciplined manner.

National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah said, "The negotiations between the Congress and the National Conference have concluded successfully. We have decided to contest the upcoming Assembly elections jointly, with complete coordination and cooperation between the JKNC and the Congress."

J&K PCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra, while sharing the details, said, "We have completed negotiations in a very cordial atmosphere, the Congress and the National Conference will fight the elections together. Our main objective is to save the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. We will start issuing mandates immediately and are confident we will win and form a government that truly serves the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

JAMMU — In a setback for the Congress party ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Vikar Rasool Wani, a former J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president and the party’s candidate for the Banihal Assembly constituency, has been sentenced to five months in jail by a court.

Wani, along with five others, was convicted for holding a public meeting without permission in 2012, violating the Model Code of Conduct.

The court in Jammu also imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on Wani and his co-accused, Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Sachin, Ikramuddin, and Nazim.

The case dates back to the 2012 Assembly elections when a public meeting was organized without authorization at a school in Mithepur village, Banihal, and was addressed by Wani, then a sitting MLA.

Wani’s conviction comes as the Banihal constituency prepares for a ‘friendly contest’ between the National Conference (NC) and Congress, who failed to reach a seat-sharing agreement. If Wani is disqualified, the NC candidate, Sajjad Shaheen, could face a direct contest against the BJP.

Reacting to the court's decision, Wani expressed respect for the verdict but maintained there was no evidence or witnesses against him. "The case dates back to a 2012 rally when people were seated in a school. For 12 years, no action was taken, but a notice was issued again in 2024," Wani told reporters in Banihal. He added that the case is now in a higher court, where he hopes for a favourable resolution.

The NC and Congress have entered into a seat-sharing arrangement for the J&K Assembly elections, with both parties fielding candidates in five constituencies, including Banihal, for a ‘friendly contest.’

Despite the legal troubles, Wani remains hopeful the case will be resolved soon, and the Congress party has yet to announce any alternative plans should he be disqualified.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are set to begin on September 18.

SRINAGAR — The Congress leadership is set to hold deliberations with the National Conference on Monday to iron out differences over seat-sharing for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

Congress general secretary organisation, K C Venugopal will hold talks with NC president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah at their residence here, leaders in both parties said.

They said the meeting was necessitated after “some differences” cropped up in seat-sharing arrangement during the talks between the local leadership of the parties. The leaders said both the parties have agreed over the seat-sharing formula to a large extent.

“The central leaders of Congress will meet our leadership to talk about the alliance. Some clarification is needed on some issues, and this will be done today,” NC provincial president, Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani told reporters outside the residence of the Abdullahs.

“Two parties have to contest the election together, there are many issues. We have to keep in mind the party cadre on the ground, we also have to consider the strength of the parties in specific seats,” he added.

Wani, however, said the seat-sharing issues will not have any impact on the alliance. “Had we known the elections would be conducted, we would have sorted these things beforehand,” the NC leader said.

Pertinently, polls to the 90-member J-K Assembly will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1, while results will be announced on October 4.

SRINAGAR — In the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, the regional National Conference (NC) has formally entered into a pre-poll bonhomie with Congress and CPI(M) ahead of the Assembly polls, ending the long stalemate in this regard. The final papers between the parties are scheduled to be signed on Thursday evening.

Earlier in the day, the Congress top brass including its national president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met the NC leadership at Dr Farooq Abdullah’s residence here in Gupkar. Other leaders from the two parties who were present in the meeting include NC vice president Omar Abdullah, J&K PCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra, AICC General Secretary (Org) K C Venugopal and NC provincial president Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani.

As soon as the meeting ended, Dr Farooq spoke to the media persons and announced the pre-poll alliance with the Congress and CPI(M) parties.

Pertinently, the three parties in Jammu and Kashmir have also fought the Lok Sabha elections together and managed to secure two seats in Kashmir and lost three others—one in Kashmir and two in Jammu division.

Addressing the media persons, as per the news agency KNO, Dr Farooq said that the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and the pre-poll alliance was given the final shape. “The pre-poll alliance will be on all the 90 Assembly seats in Jammu & Kashmir,” he said while adding that NC-Congress and CPI(M) will fight the elections jointly.

The NC leader and party’s Provincial President Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, who was present during the meeting with Congress leadership, said that the pre-poll alliance has been finalized. He also said that the PDP would not be part of the pre-poll alliance.

However, Wani didn’t divulge anything related to the seat sharing between the parties.

Pertinently, Rahul while addressing the workers at a local hotel here hinted at the pre-poll alliance even before the announcement and meeting with NC leadership. However, he stated that the alliance will not be formed at the cost of Congress workers’ and leaders’ interest.

Rahul along with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge commenced his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. He arrived in Srinagar yesterday afternoon and attended the workers convention in Srinagar, which was followed by a press conference. He later met NC leadership and left for Jammu where he attended a Congress workers' convention.

SRINAGAR — The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has firmly denied reports of its chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad, rejoining Congress.

DPAP Spokesperson Salman Nizami said that for the past two weeks, speculations have circulated, suggesting that G N Azad was approached by Congress leadership to return to the party.

Nizami said that these claims are entirely baseless. "Since Azad left the Congress, neither has he reached out to any Congress leader nor has any Congress leader contacted him, whether directly or through phone calls," Nizami said, putting an end to the swirling rumours.

He further said that these false reports were aimed at creating confusion and weakening DPAP. Nizami urged party members to remain united and vigilant, cautioning them not to fall into any such traps. He also appealed to the media not to lend credence to these unsubstantiated claims.

The statement from the party clarified that Azad remains committed to DPAP, and there are no plans for him to return to Congress, he added.

SRINAGAR — Senior political leader Taj Mohiuddin on Saturday officially confirmed his resignation from the Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and announced his decision to rejoin the Congress.

Speaking to the news agency KNS, Taj shared that he has formally stepped down from his position in DPAP and has already submitted his resignation letter to Ghulam Nabi Azad.

When questioned about the reasons behind his departure, Taj explained that the party is being labelled as a "team of the BJP," which influenced his decision to leave.

He expressed his discomfort with the association and reiterated his intention to return to the Congress party in the near future, stating that he would make the switch in front of his supporters.

Regarding the appointment of Tariq Karra as the new president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Taj lauded the decision, calling Karra a deserving candidate for the leadership role. He expressed confidence that Karra’s leadership will strengthen the Congress in J&K.

Taj Mohiuddin, a politician with years of experience, has played a significant role in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. His return to the Congress is expected to have a notable impact, especially at a time when the party is seeking to solidify its presence ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

SRINAGAR — With the announcement of Assembly polls, the Congress has appointed senior leader Tariq Hameed Karra as the new Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president, replacing Vikar Rasool Wani.

In a press release issued to the news agency KNO, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal stated that senior leaders Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla have been appointed as Working Presidents of the JKPCC. The development came soon after the announcement of Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir by the Election Commission of India on Friday.

The poll body has announced three phases for Jammu and Kashmir, which were long overdue, with the first phase on September 18, second on September 25 and third phase on October 1. The results will be announced on October 4 along with Haryana which will go to polls on October 1.

“Congress president has appointed the president and working presidents of the Jammu & Kashmir PCC, with immediate effect. Tariq Hameed Karra is appointed as president JKPCC, while Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla as working presidents,” reads the statement.

It added that the Congress president has also appointed Vikar Rasool Wani as a special invitee, Congress Working Committee, with immediate effect. “Tariq Hameed Karra has been relieved from his current position as a permanent invitee, Congress Working Committee. The party appreciates the contributions of the outgoing PCC president, Vikar Rasool Wani,” it stated.

SRINAGAR — The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to take steps towards forming the government, with plans to officially stake their claim on Friday, following a series of strategic meetings and endorsements.

In a key meeting held in Delhi, NDA leaders unanimously named Narendra Modi as the leader of the alliance. Sources revealed that all NDA parties pledged their support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), solidifying Modi's position as their leader.

The decision comes after the BJP-led NDA secured an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha elections, winning a total of 292 seats, with the BJP alone claiming 240 seats, reaffirming its dominance in Indian politics. Despite the victory, the Congress-led INDIA bloc remains a formidable opposition, securing 234 seats.

In anticipation of the new government, President Droupadi Murmu dissolved the 17th Lok Sabha on Wednesday, acting upon the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet. This paved the way for the transition to the new administration.

As the NDA prepares for government formation, a meeting is scheduled for June 7, where NDA MPs will convene to formally elect Narendra Modi as their leader, further cementing his leadership role ahead of staking their claim.

"We acknowledge that government formation is a meticulous process requiring careful coordination," stated an NDA source. "It's crucial to ensure thorough preparation, which is why we've scheduled the official claim for Friday."

The unity within the NDA is evident as they gear up to establish the new government, with allies actively seeking key portfolios in the upcoming cabinet.

The swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term is expected to take place on the evening of June 8 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where new cabinet members will also be sworn in, marking the official commencement of the new government's tenure.

SRINAGAR — The INDIA alliance has made a remarkable comeback in several key Hindi heartland states. The Samajwadi Party, a member of the alliance, achieved significant gains in Uttar Pradesh. The bloc also advanced in Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana, and Jharkhand.

Despite the strong performance of the INDIA alliance, Prime Minister Modi's BJP-led NDA is poised to secure a third consecutive term in power, though not with the overwhelming majority predicted by various exit polls. Current results and trends suggest the National Democratic Alliance will secure 291 Lok Sabha seats, while the INDIA alliance is expected to tally 234 seats.

This outcome presents a sobering reality for the BJP, which appears to fall short of the majority mark of 272 seats, despite being ready to form the government. This result is in stark contrast to the BJP's dominant performance in 2019, when it independently secured 303 seats and the NDA crossed the 350-seat threshold.

The BJP has faced significant setbacks in its traditional strongholds of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. However, it has made notable strides in states like Odisha, Telangana, and Kerala, indicating a mixed electoral performance across different regions.

Meanwhile, the unified opposition bloc under the INDIA banner, driven by collective resistance to the BJP's policies, has secured leads in approximately 230 seats. This coalition has achieved substantial gains across various states, posing a formidable challenge to the BJP's dominance.

NEW DELHI — The BJP-led NDA on Tuesday was ahead with leads in 227 parliamentary seats out of 392 for which trends were available, with the opposition INDIA bloc ahead in at least 137, Election Commission data showed.

BJP alone was leading on 187 seats and won Surat uncontested, while Congress was ahead in 70 seats at 9:45 am.

Union Minister Smriti Irani was trailing in Amethi and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi in Sultanpur. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was leading with a slender margin in Nagpur.

Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections has begun across states and Union Territories, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said.

According to the Conduct of Election Rules, postal ballots were taken up for counting first and the process of counting of votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs) began 30 minutes later. The process of counting votes cast through postal ballots and EVMs will continue simultaneously.

While the Lok Sabha has 543 members, counting is being held for 542 seats after the BJP’s Surat candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed.

Counting of votes is also underway for the assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where polling was held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections.

Elections to the assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were also held alongside the Lok Sabha polls. The results of these elections were declared on June 2.

Since 2019, VVPAT (voter-verifiable paper audit trail) slips from five randomly selected polling stations per assembly constituency — or segment in the case of Lok Sabha seats — are matched with the EVM count for greater transparency.