Haryana and J&K Assembly Elections 2024: Amit Shah addresses third rally of the day in J&K

J&K Assembly Elections: Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing a public rally in Thanamandi said

"Were you all getting free ration before Narendra Modi became PM? Was medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh free before Narendra Modi became PM Modi? I want to ask Farooq Abdullah - why did he keep our Gujjar, Bakarwal and Pahari brothers away from development?"

Union home minister Amit Shah launched a fierce attack on the National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during a rally in Mendhar, Jammu & Kashmir, on Saturday, accusing them of fostering fear and terror in the region. Shah’s address comes just days before the crucial Assembly elections in the Union Territory.

Speaking to a large crowd, Shah praised the bravery of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during wars with Pakistan and the insurgency of the 1990s.“Since 1947, in every war fought against Pakistan, the soldiers from this land, Jammu and Kashmir, have defended India. When terrorism entered in the 1990s, courtesy Farooq Abdullah, it was my Pahadi, Gurjar, and Bakarwal brothers who bravely faced bullets on the borders,” Shah said.

J&K Assembly Elections: Amit Shah addresses public meeting in Thanamandi, Jammu and Kashmir

This is third rally for the day.

Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a blistering attack at Mehooba Mufti's PDP, Farooq Abdullah's NC and the Congress party, saying the "three families" armed the youth of Jammu and Kashmir while BJP handed them laptops.

During a rally at Mendhar in poll-bound J&K, Amit Shah said the Valley witnessed unprecedented transformation under PM Modi's leadership -- moving from terrorism to peace.

"Jammu and Kashmir's democracy was held hostage by three influential families – Abdullah, Mufti, and Nehru-Gandhi. However, the 2014 Modi government has paved the way for grassroots democracy, ensuring elections at panchayat, block, and district levels," the Union home minister claimed.

J&K Assembly Elections: Congress president Kharge questions PM Modi's remarks on 'peace, development' in J-K, asks why terror incidents are taking place

Kharge was holding a press conference in J&K.

J&K Assembly Elections: Amit Shah responds to former union minister Sushil Kumar Shinde's statement that he was scared to visit Red Square

Shah said, "The former Home Minister of Congress gave a statement that when I was the Home Minister, I was scared of going to Red Square. Shinde Sir, at that time there was a Congress government, visit Lal Chowk today, nothing will happen, we have secured Jammu and Kashmir."

J&K Assembly Elections: Amit Shah's attack on opposition

"Congress and National Conference ruled here for 35 years, terrorism increased, 40 thousand people were killed, Jammu and Kashmir remained closed for three thousand days, it remained immersed in darkness for eight years... you (Congress and National Conference) are responsible for this," said Shah.

J&K Assembly Elections: 'The Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to provide reservation benefits not only in jobs but also in promotions for the Pahadi, Gurjar, and Bakarwal communities,' says Amit Shah

"Omar Sahab, I say this from the sacred hills of Surankot, that do whatever you want, but you never be able to deprive my pahadi brothers and sisters from the reservation benefits!" said Amit Shah.

J&K Assembly Elections: 'Congress, National Conference and PDP have denied you the right to reservation,' says Amit Shah

The union home minister furthe added, "They are still not satisfied, in its manifesto, National Conference has said that we will reconsider reservation."

J&K Assembly elections: Amit Shah speaks on reserevations in J&K rally

"BJP has decided that Pahadi, Gujjar and Bakarwal people should not only be given reservation in jobs but also in promotions. This is your right," said Shah.

J&K Assembly elections: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge speaks on Congress-NC alliance

"Alliance with National Conference for J-K Assembly polls was necessary to remove BJP from politics," said Congress chief Kharge in Jammu

J&K Assembly Elections: Amit Shah addresses second rally of the day

Amit Shah addressed the crowd in J&K's Surankote.

J&K Assembly elections: Amit Shah on reservation

"After Modi came to power, OBCs, backward classes, Gujjar Bakarwals and hill people got reservation.

When I introduced the bill, Farooq Abdullah's party protested and started provoking the Gujjar brothers here.

When I came to Rajouri, I had promised that we will not reduce the reservation of Gujjar brothers and will give reservation to the hill people as well... and we kept our promise," said Shah.

J&K Assembly Elections: Amit Shah hails PM Modi in J&K rally

"Due to Modi Ji's tireless efforts, today, around 30,000 Kashmiri youths are contesting elections at various levels, exercising their democratic rights," said the union home minister.

J&K Assembly elections: 'This election is going to end the rule of three families in Jammu and Kashmir,' says Amit Shah

He further added, "Abdullah family, Mufti family and Nehru-Gandhi family... these three families had stopped democracy here. If Modi ji's government had not come in 2014, then panchayat, block and district elections would not have taken place."

J&K Assembly elections: Amit Shah hails 'Pahadi, Gurjar, and Bakarwal brothers'

"Since 1947, in every war fought against Pakistan, the soldiers from this land, Jammu and Kashmir, have defended India.

When terrorism entered in the 1990s, courtesy Farooq Abdullah, it was my Pahadi, Gurjar, and Bakarwal brothers who bravely faced bullets on the borders. Since 1947, in every war fought against Pakistan, the soldiers from this land, Jammu and Kashmir, have defended India.

When terrorism entered in the 1990s, courtesy Farooq Abdullah, it was my Pahadi, Gurjar, and Bakarwal brothers who bravely faced bullets on the borders," said Shah.

J&K Assembly elections: Amit Shah attacks opposition in J&K

"Abdullah, Mufti and Nehru-Gandhi family have spread terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir from the 90s till now. Today, the BJP government led by Shri Narendra Modi has ended terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. The youth here have been given laptops instead of stones," said Shah.

J&K Assembly Elections: Gujjars, Bakerwalas protecting borders in J-K since 1947, took bullets to the chest to fight terrorism; proud of them, says Amit Shah

Shah is addressing a rally in J&K's Mendhar.

J&K Assembly Elections: Home minister Amit Shah addresses rally in Mendhar

Haryana Assembly Elections: Babita Phogat lends support to BJP

BJP leader& former wrestler Babita Phogat says, "...Biplab Deb is amid all of us workers today. He gave us 'winning mantra' and filled us with zeal. We welcome him here. With the 'winning mantra' that he gave us, we will go to the public and make a collective effort to have the 'Lotus' bloom here for here for the third time..."

Haryana Assembly elections: PM Modi in Hisar on Sept 28

Former MP Kuldeep Bishnoi revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conduct a large rally in Hisar on September 28 to strengthen BJP's position in Haryana. Bishnoi criticized Congress for unfulfilled promises and lauded BJP's developmental initiatives. Additionally, Sirsa police confiscated Rs 6.7 lakh from four people during a checking drive. Read full story

Haryana Assembly Elections: From kingmaker to king, JJP's Dushyant Chautala sets eyes on bigger goal

Dushyant Chautala, the leader of the JP party, is optimistic about the upcoming Haryana assembly elections on October 5. His party has formed an alliance with the Azad Samaj Party, and although he anticipates a hung assembly, he is confident that their coalition will secure a significant number of seats, positioning them as a crucial player in the post-election scenario.

In the previous Haryana assembly elections held in 2019, the JJP managed to win 10 out of the total 90 seats, while the BJP secured 40 and the Congress won 31.
At the young age of 36, Chautala, who is the great grandson of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal, foresees that no individual party will be able to surpass the 40-seat threshold in the upcoming assembly polls.

J&K Assembly Elections: Security beefed up in Mendhar, Poonch, ahead of Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah's rally

Shah is scheduled to address five rallies in J&K today.

J&K Assembly Elections: Refugees from West Pakistan to participate for the first time in the Assembly elections

DC and District Election Officer, Rajesh Sharma said, "There are 3 Assembly constituencies and 366 polling stations in Samba. The polling will be conducted here in the third phase...We have prepared everything according to the timeline of ECI...As of now, we are prepared...Now, they (West Pakistani refugees) have become normal voters. This time, they will choose their representative in Vidhan Sabha for the first time...We can see they are very enthusiastic."

Haryana Assembly Elections: AAP will be kingmaker, says Arvind Kejriwal

AAP will be the kingmaker in Haryana as no govt will be formed without its support, said party’s national convener Arvind Kejriwal in Yamunanagar on Friday.In his first roadshow in the poll-bound state in support of party candidate Aadarsh Pal Gurjar from the assembly constituency, the former Delhi chief minister attacked BJP while referring to his arrest in the excise policy case. Read full story

J&K Assembly elections: Strong emotions over Art 370 unite youths in Valley

Aamir Nazir, a 29-year-old engineering graduate from Kashmir University, is making a living by selling tea and snacks on a highway in Ganderbal due to limited job opportunities. The nullification of Article 370 has increased the demand for local governance as residents hope for better job prospects and living conditions. Read full story

J&K Assembly Elections: Women turnout exceeds that of men in 6 J&K seats in Ph-1

Women voters' turnout exceeded that of men in six of the 24 Jammu & Kashmir constituencies that went to polls on Wednesday, with Jammu division leading the way with five of its eight constituencies having witnessed higher participation by female electors. Only one of Kashmir's 16 assembly constituencies covered in Phase 1 - Kokernag (ST)) - witnessed higher polling by its women voters as compared to male voters. Overall, J&K clocked nearly 61.4% polling in the first phase, as per the final EVM turnout figures released by the Election Commission on Friday. This is higher than 60% turnout recorded in the corresponding districts in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the 50.3% polling in 2014 state polls. Read full story

Haryana Assembly Elections

"Industrial Model Township (IMT) has huge scope in the district and can be set up in an area of 50 acres to 1000 acres. IMTs previously exist in Manesar and Rohtak and more will be developed, for the ease of investors," said Union minister & former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar.

Haryana Assembly Elections Live Updates: 'I took 126 historic decisions for Haryana,' says Haryana CM Saini.

"In just 56 days, I took 126 historic decisions for Haryana which are now being discussed in every corner of the state. Congress asks me where these announcements are. I would like to tell them we have not just announced, but also implemented it on grounds as well... The work done by me in 56 days will outclass the work done by (Bhupinder) Hooda in 10 years," says Haryana CM Nayab Saini, while addressing a public gathering in Raipur Rani.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections

"We promise that our youngsters will get the first right to employment opportunity wherever there will be a big project for electricity, construction of roads or tunnels and more," said NC leader Omar Abdullah while addressing a public gathering in Mendhar.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections: 61.38% overall turnout recorded in the first phase of J&K Assembly elections

Haryana Assembly Elections Live Updates: 'Government will not form without AAP's support,' says Kejriwal

"Haryana is asking for a change. The government will not form in Haryana without AAP's support. I have calculated how many seats AAP is going to win and I know that the government will not be formed without AAP's support," said AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal.

Haryana Assembly Elections: AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal holds a roadshow in Jagadhri area of Yamunanagar district.

"I am here at Khera Mandir. I have been told that if I visit any Mandir, then it would be a violation of MCC. So, I will come here again to offer prayers," says AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections

"We never ran Pakistan's agenda. It's unfortunate. Those who are levelling allegations against us, it is they who are running Pakistan's agenda. What do we do about them? Those who themselves are Pakistan's agents, are calling us agents," says JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah.

With 'Haryana ka laal' pitch, AAP hopes Kejriwal's connect with state works in polls

Projecting its national convener Arvind Kejriwal as the son of the soil, the Aam Aadmi Party is hoping to make a mark in the assembly polls in Haryana where it has not tasted any electoral success yet.

With caste equations playing a key role in the electoral success of a political party in Haryana, the AAP is asking people to give it a chance in the assembly polls as they have already given opportunity to all other major political parties.

"Give a chance to Arvind Kejriwal. If he works for the people then vote for him next time, otherwise do not vote for him," AAP's national general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak said.

People of Haryana will decide whether they want the same government which is running till now or they want 'badlav' (change), added Pathak, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP .

If people feel they want change, then they will definitely make us win and they will decide how many seats the AAP gets in Haryana, he further said.

"The AAP is the voice of every person in Haryana," he added. (PTI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pays surprise visit to family of Karnal man he met in US

As the campaihn for the Haryana assembly elections enters the final phase, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday morning arrived and paid a surprise visit at the residence of Amit Singh's son Veer Singh's house in Gogripur village here and fulfilled his promise made in the United States to Amit. The Lok Sabha LoP had met Singh while on his US visit.

Amit Singh had gone to America one and a half years ago, where he had met with an accident and was injured. On his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Singh was promised that Gandhi would visit his house and video call him.

Gandhi met Amit's mother Biramati and his father Bir Singh on his visit and left the residence after giving a video call to Amit. Biramati, Amit's mother said that Rahul Gandhi said that he met Amit and the visit was a surprise visit.

Speaking to ANI, she said "Rahul Gandhi had paid a surprise visit to us at 5 in the morning. He told me that he had met Amit in the US and said that he had made his promise that he would make Amit see us on a video call." (ANI)

'Haryana Sarkar So Rahi Hai': Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge takes jibe at BJP-led state govt

As polling for assembly elections are approaching Haryana, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday, in a satirical video, took a jibe at the BJP-led Haryana Government and said that the state government has been sleeping for 10 years.

Kharge on his social media handle on X shared a satirical video, which showed that the public (primarily youth) of Haryana is trying to wake up the "sleeping" Haryana government, citing several issues including unemployment, inflation, kidnapping, murder, crime, and MSP, but instead of acting on the issues, the government remains impassive.

In a social media post on X, Mallikarjun Kharge, while sharing a video, wrote, "The BJP government in Haryana has been sleeping for 10 years. Now we will get relief from inflation, unemployment, farmer oppression and crime...! Bring Congress, save Haryana!"

In the shared video, the individuals said, "Get up; unemployment and inflation are increasing with speed of rocket. Haryana has become number 1 in the kidnapping, murder and ransom; it's time to wake up. Farmers didn't get MSP; rather, they got the 'black- laws.' This is Haryana's 10-year-old government, which will keep sleeping, but you (the public) need to wake up. Congress Lao, Haryana Bachao!" (ANI)

Haryana polls: Police seize Rs 2.7 crore in cash during checking in Faridabad

Police have seized Rs 2.7 crore in cash during checking in Faridabad. Further investigations are under way.

J&K Election Live: Congress-NC alliance will form govt with majority in J&K, says Pilot

Congress National Secretary and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot expressed confidence in the upcoming elections, stating that the enthusiasm among the workers indicates that the alliance will form government by securing a majority. He said that people across the region are rallying behind Congress for change.

"The enthusiasm among workers is a clear indication that the alliance will form the government with a majority. People across the region are supporting Congress because they want to change", Pilot told reporters in Rajouri during campaigning for his party candidates in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

J&K Election Live: Gilgit-Baltistan activist praises J&K elections, criticises Pakistan's role in PoJK

Senge Hasnan Sering, a prominent political activist from Gilgit-Baltistan, has commended India for holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, citing increased voter turnout as a sign of hope and progress.

In an interview with ANI in Geneva, Sering emphasised the growing interest among locals, pointing to a turnout of nearly 59 percent during the first phase of assembly elections.

Comparing this to the dismal turnout of 10-20 percent in elections held two decades ago in J&K, Sering described the current figures as a major shift.

Haryana Election Live: EC team holds meeting with senior officers of Haryana

A team of senior officials from the Election Commission of India held a meeting with senior officers of Haryana on Thursday to review the action taken on the directions issued to the authorities involved in the election process during its visit to the state last month. The meeting was held with the divisional commissioners, inspector generals of police, police commissioners, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, general observers and police observers from 11 districts.

Haryana goes to polls on October 5.

Haryana Election Live: Bhupinder Hooda dubs BJP's manifesto for Haryana polls as 'copy-paste of Congress'

After the Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto for Haryana Assembly polls, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Thursday that it's a copy paste of their manifesto, and from 2014 to 2019, the BJP did nothing.

Hooda said, "It is a copy-paste of ours. We have said that theirs are all false promises. Look at our manifestos from 2005 and 2009; we fulfilled all our promises. Look at their manifestos from 2014 and 2019--they did nothing. They made false 'ghoshna patra'. It is a bundle of lies."

Haryana Election Live: 'Rebel trouble' for both BJP and Congress in Haryana

Several ticket hopefuls from both the BJP and the Congress have jumped into the electoral fray in Haryana as Independents after being denied a chance by their parties and are running spirited campaigns to emerge independent kingmakers. The two parties managed to convince some of them to withdraw their nominations, but a good number of "rebels" are still in the fight against official candidates.

The most prominent face who has decided to contest the polls as an independent is Asia's richest woman and chairperson of the O P Jindal Group, Savitri Jindal.