On Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a significant decision to expel party leader Shiv Dev Singh, who is currently running as an independent candidate against the party’s official nominee for the Jammu North assembly segment. This decision was announced by the party’s working president, Satpal Sharma, along with the General Secretary (Organisation), Ashok Kaul. The expulsion followed a recommendation from the disciplinary committee, which is headed by Sunil Sethi, highlighting the internal conflicts within the party as the election period intensifies.
As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for the second phase of the assembly elections scheduled for September 25, 2024, security measures have been significantly heightened, particularly in the Rajouri district. The authorities have deployed security personnel across various areas to ensure a safe and orderly election process. Rigorous vehicle checks are being conducted to maintain law and order and to prevent any untoward incidents during this crucial electoral phase.
This upcoming phase of the elections will cover 26 assembly seats spread across six districts, emphasizing the importance of security and vigilance. The constituencies involved include a diverse range of areas such as Kangan (reserved for Scheduled Tribes), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, and Gulabgarh (also reserved for Scheduled Tribes). Additionally, it will encompass regions like Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote – Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
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This phase is particularly crucial for prominent political figures, most notably former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, who is contesting for seats in both Budgam and Ganderbal. His participation adds a layer of complexity to the elections, as he seeks to regain influence in a region that has seen considerable political upheaval. Other key candidates include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina, who is running from Nowshera, and Tariq Hamid Karra, the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, contesting from the Central Shalteng seat.
The heightened security and the expulsion of Singh reflect the intense political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, where party loyalties are being tested, and the stakes are high as candidates vie for public support in a region that has historically been fraught with political challenges. With the assembly elections drawing near, all eyes are on how these developments will shape the electoral landscape and influence voter sentiment in the region.
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