Jammu Kashmir Assembly elections 2024: Key candidates in fray
The Hindu
J&K Assembly elections update: NC-Congress alliance leads, BJP close behind, independents making their mark. Candidates and results detailed.
Story so far: Jammu-Kashmir Assembly’s 90 seats went to polls in three phases this September and October, ushering in autonomy to the Union territory which has been under the Centre’s rule since 2018. The results are currently being announced with the J&K National Conference – Congress alliance taking an early lead, closely followed by Bharatiya Janata Party. Independents too are making their mark as J&K People’s Democratic party comes in at a distant fifth.
Check the Live updates for Jammu and Kashmir election results
With 87 lakh electors casting their votes in the election across J&K, these elections will be the first to be held since 2014, when BJP and PDP allied to form a shaky coalition. This alliance ended in 2018, resulting in the legislature’s dissolution. Since the revocation of J&K’s special status, it has been reduced to two Union Territories. While J&K has a 90-seat legislative assembly, Ladakh has none, and both territories are headed by a Lieutenant-Governor.
Also Read: ‘Power not permanent,’ says AIP MP Engineer Rashid as counting gets underway in Jammu and Kashmir
Prior to holding Assembly polls, the ECI conducted a delimitation exercise in 2022, where 43 seats were identified in the Jammu region while 47 in Kashmir valley. Moreover, nine Assembly seats — three in Kashmir, six in Jammu —were reserved for scheduled tribes. Moreover, one-third of the elected seats have been reserved for women, the Valmiki community has been included in the Scheduled Caste list in J&K while the Paharis in the Scheduled Tribes list.
Omar Abdullah (NC) – Ganderbal & Budgam
Vice-President of NC and former J&K CM, Omar Abdullah is one of the most vociferous opponents of the BJP-led NDA government, demanding restoration of J&K’s statehood and special status. He was defeated by Independent MP Engineer Rashid at Baramulla in the Lok Sabha elections in June. Contesting as front-runner for the CM seat, Mr. Abdullah is trying his luck in Ganderbal assembly constituency as well as Budgam. In Ganderbal faces PDP’s Bashir Ahmad Mir and Independent Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh and in Budgam, he faces PDP’s Aga Syed Mutazir Mehdi
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran contrasts women's roles in Tamil Nadu and North India, advocating for education over traditional domestic expectations.
BJP criticizes Rahul Gandhi as a "textbook example" of separatism following his claims of cultural suppression by the Centre.
BJP MLC accuses Karnataka government of withholding contents of D’Cunha report on Bengaluru stampede to avoid accountability for the tragedy.
Delhi court extends NIA custody of five accused in Red Fort blast case until January 16, 2026, for further investigation.
Femella Foundation launches its anti-domestic violence initiative with the play Yagnaseni, blending mythology and real-life stories.
Bose Krishnamachari resigns from Kochi Biennale Foundation citing family reasons, prompting discussions about his influential role.
Explore India's organ donation paradox in the In Focus podcast, featuring insights from Dr. Amalorpavanathan on systemic challenges.
Chiranjeevi’s film leads Telugu cinema in legal action against malicious ratings, aiming for fair digital review practices.
Centre denies political clearance for Punjab CM Mann's proposed investment trip to the UK and Israel, claims AAP.
Hyderabad Hot Air Balloon Festival tickets sell out quickly; additional tickets available on January 14 for January 16-18 event.
Theatre personality Lillete Dubey talks about ‘Gauhar’, Mahesh Dattani adaptation of Vikram Sampath’s book, ‘My Name is Gauhar Jaan’ which will be staged in Bengaluru on January 17
Though ‘Huli Banthu Huli’, directed by C Chandrashekar was shot in 1975, it remains relevant today and its unavailability underscores the fragile fate of celluloid films
Park Medi World Steps Up National Expansion, Targets 5,000+ Beds by FY28