J&K Assembly Elections 2024 Highlights: Pakistan doing 'balle-balle' over Congress-NC alliance in J&K, says PM Modi

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are not about the victory of the National Conference-Congress alliance or the PDP but about making the region more prosperous and peaceful. Gadkari said only the BJP guarantees peace, development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the remarks of Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Article 370, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that Pakistan should manage its affairs and not interfere in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

"What does Pakistan have to do with us? We are not even a part of Pakistan, let them take care of their country. I don't think they should interfere in our elections or comment on our elections. They should save their democracy, we are participating in ours," Omar Abdullah told reporters.

Earlier today, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said that he does not know what Pakistan says.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Anurag Thakur on Thursday said that Pakistan's defence minister supporting the Congress-National Conference stand on Article 370 has left Congress "exposed" in front of the whole nation.

Speaking to ANI, Thakur slammed Congress and the National Conference's partnership and their stand on the restoration of Article 370.

"This clears that Congress, Pakistan and NC have same intentions, agenda and mindset. Pakistan's defence minister supporting the Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370 has exposed Congress' face in front of the people. In every election, Congress sing the praises of Pakistan. Even during the Airstrike and Surgical strike, Congress raised questions on our own soldiers...Why does Rahul Gandhi always stand with the anti-national powers? Why does he support the 'Tukde-Tukde' gang?.. Now they want to reinstate Article 370. 45,000 people were killed. How many more corpses do they want to see?" Thakur queried.

Reacting to Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif's claims on the Congress-National Conference alliance regarding the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday said that the Congress is following in the footsteps of Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

"What affection does Congress have with China? What affection does the Gandhi family have with Pakistan?... Pakistan says that its thoughts align with Congress and NC. It is clear now that you (Congress) are following the footsteps of Jinnah (Muhammad Ali Jinnah). You want to break Jammu and Kashmir. The people of the nation will answer Rahul Gandhi and Congress," Sirsa said.

Union home minister Amit Shah also attacked Congress and said that his statement has made clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda.

MP & BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "The way defence minister of Pakistan have supported Congress and said that Pakistan has the same stand as of Congress concerning Article 370 and 35A - to restore them. Pakistan is a terrorist state and a minister of the terrorist country is openly supporting Congress."

"It's not new, when the Union HM had tabled the bill to abrogate Article 370, the leader of Congress in the House said that it's a bilateral issue, and even Sonia Gandhi was directing him to say so. Not only Pakistan but Pannun has also supported Rahul Gandhi, he said that our intentions are same as of Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi what is the reason that be it Pakistan or Pannun, all the terrorists support him. What kind of coalition is there between Congress and Pakistan? They have named their alliance as INDIA - INDI alliance but they are maligning the name of our country."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched an attack on the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of aligning with Pakistan’s interests. PM Modi warned that a vote for Congress would lead to the reinstatement of Article 370, which he said would pave the way for violence to return to the Valley.

Asking people to cast their votes wisely in the ongoing Assembly polls that are linked to the "future of Jammu and Kashmir", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said they should ensure the political sunset of the Congress, NC and PDP, which have "inflicted wounds" in the region for years together. Addressing a poll rally in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, Modi also accused the Congress leadership of insulting Hindu gods and goddesses under a "well-thought-out conspiracy" and due to a "Naxal mindset", and asked people "should they not be punished for this"?

This was the second election rally addressed by the prime minister in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and third in a week. He addressed another rally in Srinagar earlier in the day. On September 14, Modi had addressed a rally in Doda district.

Addressing a public rally in Katra, PM Narendra Modi said, "2 Vande Bharat trains reach Katra from Delhi. The condition of Katra and Reasi Railway station has drastically improved. With the construction of the Chenani Nashri tunnel, the travel time from Jammu to Srinagar has been reduced. Many such tunnels are being constructed in J&K, making it one of the most connected areas. Delhi-Katra expressway is also fast being developed. It will open doors for the farmers of the region to bigger markets."

"Every vote given to Congress will implement the manifesto of PDP and NC. They want to bring back Article 370. This means they want bloodshed in the valley again. Congress-NC alliance is being applauded in Pakistan. Pakistan is very happy with the Congress-NC manifesto and has openly extended its support. Pakistan's defence minister has openly come out in support of the Congress-NC alliance. He says their agenda is the same as that of Pakistan. Congress and NC want to implement Pakistan's agenda here in J&K", PM Modi said a rally in J&K's Katra.

Separatism, terrorism have been weakened following abrogation of Article 370. They will be stamped out fully: PM Modi at rally in J&K's Katra

"Congress, under the guise of ‘Mohabatt ki Dukaan’, is out there spreading hate. Congress cannot see anything beyond its votebank. For the same reasons, they deepened the rift between Jammu and Kashmir, and always maintained a partial behaviour towards the state."

"BJP is the party that has prioritized your growth and ended the decade-long struggles of the people here. Kashmir is an important part of our faith and cultural identity. We need a government that can respect and promote both of these aspects. Congress, for the sake of votes, will not hesitate to jeopardize our faith and culture", PM Modi attacks Congress in J&K.

"The upcoming elections will determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir. These elections are important to end the political legacy of the 3 families of Congress, NC and PDP which kept the state in ruins. To make this happen, the Lotus must bloom in Kashmir!": PM Modi in J&K

PM Narendra Modi gets a warm welcome by party workers as he reaches Katra to address an election rally ahead of the second phase of J&K assembly polls scheduled to be held on September 25.

After Pakistan's defence minister Khwaja Asif said that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance were on the same page on the restoration of Article 370, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said on Thursday that he does not know what Pakistan says.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "I don't know what Pakistan says. I am not a Pakistani; I am an Indian citizen."

On the Jammu Kashmir Assembly Polls, he said that everything would be clear in front of the people on October 8.

Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Thursday hit out at the National Conference and the Congress for playing up the agenda of Pakistan during the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

Taking a strong note of the statement of Pakistan defence minister Khwaja Asif, Chugh, who is also party in charge of J-K elections, said, "His statement has completely exposed the NC and the Congress for pursuing the Pakistan agenda."

Chugh said "It not only demonstrated Pakistan's intention to interfere in the J-K elections but also established that the Abdullahs of the NC and the Gandhi family in the Congress have been taking directions from Pakistan forces to cause disruption and disturbance in the territory."

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the high voter turnout in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, saying it symbolises the rejection of parties that sympathise with stone-pelters and terrorists.

Addressing a public rally in Srinagar PM Modi said, "The bumper voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has rejected the parties that sympathize with stone pelting and terrorism. The people here have full faith in Modi's guarantee of a safe and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. Heartfelt thanks to the people who came to Srinagar to seek blessings."

Notably, the first phase of voting was held on September 18. A voter turnout of 61.13 per cent was registered in the first phase polling for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which were held in 24 constituencies across seven districts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I will just give you the account of 5 years. I am very satisfied with the fact that there are about 50,000 students who had to leave school and education. What was their fault? Today, Modi has ensured that 50,000 students return to school. We have started pre-primary classes in 15,000 schools, benefiting over 1.5 lakh children. Additionally, around 250 schools are being upgraded to PM SHRI Schools. Many degree Colleges, Engineering and Political Science colleges have been built here. One is being built in Awantipora. In these 5 years, about 1,100 new medical seats have been added here. 1, 500 seats have been added in nursing and more than 1,600 seats have been added in paramedical. The youth of my Jammu & Kashmir is no longer helpless. They are becoming stronger in the Modi government. I am happy that the Jammu & Kashmir BJP has also made big announcements for the employment of youth. BJP will ensure that capable people get government jobs without any fraud."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "Our youth were away from studies outside the schools and colleges and these three families (Congress, NC and PDP) were happy by putting stones in their hands. These people have ruined the future of our children for their own benefit. Liberating Jammu and Kashmir from terror and terrorism. Every force conspiring against Jammu and Kashmir must be defeated. Providing employment opportunities to the youth here, this is Modi's intention, Modi's promise. I will not let another generation of ours be destroyed at the hands of these 3 families. That's why I am sincerely working towards restoring peace here. Today, schools and colleges are running smoothly throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Children have pens, books and laptops in their hands. Today, there are no reports of fires in schools; instead, there are reports of new schools, new colleges, AIIMS, medical colleges and IITs being built"

"These three families feel that how can anyone raise question on them? These three families feel that it is their birthright to somehow grab power and loot you all. To keep people of Jammu and Kashmir away from their rights have been the political agenda of these people," said PM Modi addressing a public gathering in Srinagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today the world is seeing how the people of Jammu and Kashmir are strengthening the democracy of India and I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir for this. A few days ago, when I came to Jammu and Kashmir, I had said that three families are responsible for the destruction of J&K and since then these people are in panic, from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir, these three families think how can anyone question them."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "You have come in such large numbers today. This enthusiasm of the youth, the message of peace in the eyes of the elders and such a large number of mothers and sisters, this is the new Kashmir."

"At present, the festival of democracy is going on in Jammu and Kashmir. Just yesterday, the first round of voting took place in 7 districts. For the first time voting took place without the shadow of terrorism. It is a matter of great joy and pride for all of us that such a large number of people came out of their homes to vote," PM Modi said.

Today I have come amongst you with the message of energizing the spirit of rapid progress of Jammu & Kashmir.

J&K will be voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. The first phase of voting was held on September 18, the other two rounds will be held on September 25 and October 1. Counting to take place on October 8.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to deliver a speech at a rally in Srinagar today, authorities have ramped up security measures in the region. Recent footage from Srinagar has revealed the establishment of numerous checkpoints and an increased presence of CRPF personnel.

It is important to note that the second and third phases of polling in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to take place on September 25 and October 1, respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his thoughts on the Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the voter turnout in the first phase demonstrated the enthusiasm and eagerness of the people to actively participate in the democratic process.
The Prime Minister is set to visit the union territory today, where he will deliver speeches at two election rallies, one in Srinagar and another in Katra. The second phase of the Assembly polls in J&K is slated to take place on September 25.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, PM Modi said, "I look forward to being among the people of Jammu and Kashmir today. Will address a rally in Srinagar and Katra. Yesterday's turnout has shown that the people of J&K are very enthusiastic about the elections and are keen to make the poll process vibrant."
The Prime Minister also mentioned that during his rallies, he intends to discuss the development agenda for the region and seek the blessings of the people as they exercise their democratic rights.

As of 11:30 pm on Wednesday, the voter turnout stood at 61.11 per cent, in phase-I elections, with Kishtwar witnessing the highest voting percentage with 80.14 per cent and Pulwama the lowest with 46.65 per cent (approximate), Election Commission of India said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is prepared to deliver speeches at election rallies in Srinagar and Katra on Thursday, prior to the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, which are set to take place on September 25.
Prime Minister Modi is slated to address a public rally at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar at around 12:00 noon, followed by another at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra at 3:00 pm.
The upcoming rally in the Valley will mark the Prime Minister's inaugural election speech for the current assembly elections. Previously, on September 14, he addressed a public gathering for the BJP in Doda, Jammu.

The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections concluded on Wednesday with a voter turnout of 58.85 per cent across the Kashmir Valley and Jammu regions. Kishtwar recorded the highest turnout at 77 per cent, while Pulwama saw the lowest at just over 46 per cent. This marks the first assembly elections in the state since the abrogation of Article 370.

The first phase of polls covered 24 seats across seven districts with 219 candidates, including 90 independent candidates in the fray.

The previous elections were held in 2014, when the total number of elected seats was 87 (three seats by nomination), including four from Ladakh. BJP and PDP won 25 seats each in Jammu and Kashmir valley, respectively. The National Conference secured 12 of Kashmir’s 46 seats, while Congress took four. In Jammu’s 37 seats, Congress finished second to BJP with five seats, while NC and PDP won three each. Following the 2023 delimitation exercise, the assembly now has 90 seats, with 47 representatives from Kashmir Valley and 43 from Jammu.

In the first phase, the voter turnout gradually increased throughout the day, with 11.11 per cent at 9 am, 26.72 per cent at 1 pm, 50.65 per cent at 3 pm, and finally reaching 58.19 percent by 5 pm. However, this turnout was lower compared to the 71.28 per cent recorded in the first phase and 65.23 per cent in the 2014 assembly elections for 78 seats.

Jammu and Kashmir votes enthusiastically in Phase I of the Assembly Elections. Polling across 24 ACs in 7 districts was incident-free and peaceful.

Building on the successful foundation of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, peaceful and enthusiastic voting marked the beginning of assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir. Voters from all sections of society responded to the 'call of democracy' wholeheartedly: Election Commission of India

Three senior BJP leaders were suspended on Wednesday for contesting assembly elections against the party's official candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, a party spokesman said. J&K BJP vice president Pawan Khajuria along with senior party leaders, Balwan Singh and Narinder Singh Bhau, were suspended from the membership of the party on the recommendation of a disciplinary committee headed by Sunil Sethi, the spokesman said.

Khajuria and Singh had entered the election fray as an independent and a candidate of National Panthers Party (NPP), respectively from Udhampur East assembly segment where BJP has fielded former MLA R S Pathania.

The Kishtwar district has recorded the highest voter turnout at 70.03 per cent till 3 pm in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, as per the data provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday.

According to the ECI, Doda recorded a 61.90 per cent turnout followed by Ramban at 60.04 per cent, Kulgam at 50.57 per cent, Shopian at 46.84 per cent, and Anantnag at 46.67 per cent.

Pulwama district has recorded the lowest voter turnout at 36.90 per cent in the first phase of the assembly polls.

The total voter turnout stands at 50.65 per cent.

Voting, which commenced at 7 am today, is underway across the Union Territory. It will conclude at 6 pm.

Voting was halted briefly at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla, Kishtwar following a protest here over the identification of voters, however, voting was resumed. Responding to the incident, Kishtwar DM Rajesh Kumar Shavan said that it was confusion and situation is normal.

Men and women, the young and old, some too frail to walk and others patiently waiting their turn, queued up outside polling booths in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday as phase one of the union territory's first assembly elections since 2019 proceeded peacefully and steadily. Voting began at 7 am. By 3 pm, voter turnout was recorded at 50.65 per cent. Encouraged by the sight of long lines of people waiting to exercise their franchise, officials hoped the turnout would be significantly higher by 6 pm when voting closes.

The elections to the 90-member assembly are the first since Article 370 granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated and the state was downgraded into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, in August 2019.

The last assembly elections were held in 2014.

On the ongoing first phase of Assembly polls in J&K, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says, " PDP will emerge as the number one party in South Kashmir."

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal said, "BJP made many promises to J&K when Article 370 was abrogated but today the situation is such that Kashmir is at number 2 in unemployment. This has not happened anywhere else in the country. In 2005 the unemployment rate here was 5.67% and now it has gone up three times."

On J&K assembly polls, CPI leader D Raja said, "Jammu and Kashmir have gone for polls after a decade and the first phase of polling is underway. There is a strong resentment against the policies pursued by the Union Government. PM Modi and his government's policies have proven to be a disaster for J&K and people are angry about how the statehood was snatched away and split into Union Territories."

According to the ECI, Kishtwar recorded 56.86 per cent turnout followed by Doda 50.81 per cent, Ramban 49.68 per cent, Kulgam 39.91 per cent, Shopian 38.72 per cent, Anantnag 37.90 per cent and Pulwama 29.84 per cent.

Voting, that commenced at 7 am today, is underway across the Union Territory. It will conclude at 6 pm.

Voting was halted briefly at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla, Kishtwar following a protest here over the identification of voters, however, voting has been resumed. Responding to the incident, Kishtwar DM Rajesh Kumar Shavan said that it was confusion and situation is normal.

"There was some confusion among people here, there was a crowd here and it has been resolved. There was some issue regarding identification, one person did not have an identity card. The situation is normal, voting has resumed," said Shavan.

Notably, Kashmiri migrant voters also cast their votes under high security at ITI College Campus in Jammu.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole on Wednesday said polling is proceeding peacefully in the first phase of the assembly elections and is incident-free. He also expressed confidence that turnout will exceed 60 per cent.

"Polling is being conducted on a large scale. The way polling is progressing indicates a high turnout. We anticipate over 60 per cent polling. So far, the polling has been peaceful and incident-free," Pole told PTI.

The official was visiting various polling stations set up for Kashmiri migrants in Jammu city's Muthi area.

He said polling was taking place for 24 assembly constituencies at 3,266 polling stations in the first phase.

Pole said 26 per cent of votes had been polled till 11 am.

"We have set up 19 polling stations for Kashmiri migrants to vote for 16 assembly segments of Kashmir," he said.

Pole added that he had visited various polling stations for Kashmiri migrants in Jammu and that nearly 20 per cent of votes had been polled.

After casting his vote, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate from the Rajpora Assembly constituency, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir said, "There is a lot of enthusiasm among the public and people are coming out to vote in large numbers...I appeal to everyone to vote and elect their representative so that their concerns can be heard..."

The Congress in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday expelled a district unit president and some other leaders from the basic membership of the party for going against the spirit of its alliance with the National Conference (NC) and contesting as Independents in the assembly polls. "Breach of alliance unity shall not be tolerated," a spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) said. He said the party has expelled Srinagar district president Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan and two others from the basic membership of the party.

BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar, on Wednesday cast her vote here as she expressed confidence in securing the seat in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections which are being held after a gap of a decade. Shagun (29), whose father Ajit Parihar and uncle Anil Parihar were shot dead by terrorists in November 2018, said she is confident that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will "achieve a resounding victory in these elections and form a government in Jammu and Kashmir".

"Terrorism remains one of the biggest issues in this election, as it has been in Jammu and Kashmir for years. The Narendra Modi-led government has made significant strides in countering terrorism, which is a personal concern for me as a victim," she said.

"The alliance of NC, Congress and PDP will face a decisive defeat. The people of Jammu and Kashmir seek peace and development, and BJP will ensure their aspirations are fulfilled," Shagun told reporters after casting her vote at a polling station in Kishtwar.

Shagun, the only female candidate from Kishtwar Assembly constituency in the first phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, said she is certain of her victory. "My win will contribute to BJP's majority government formation in Jammu and Kashmir," she added.

Heaping praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Shopian Assembly constituency, Javaid Ahmad Qadri on Wednesday said that the PM has played a big role in improving the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

With voting for first phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir commenced this moning, Qadri said that people in large numbers have been coming to cast their votes.

"I give the credit to PM Modi who has played a big role in improving the situation in J&K. People in large numbers are coming out to cast their votes...The central government has worked a lot to ensure the development of Shopian...Before the abrogation of Article 370, only some families used to cast their votes but today the common man is coming out to vote in large numbers..." said Qadri.

According to the Election Commission of India, 26.72 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 11 am in the first phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir.

Khalid Najib Suharwardy, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate for the Doda Assembly Constituency, called on the public to participate actively in the elections, emphasising the significance of regaining special status for the region.

He urged the people of the valley to engage in the electoral process to fight and gain back the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

After casting his vote, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate from Doda Assembly Constituency, Khalid Najib Suharwardy, while speaking to ANI said, "Voting is going on smoothly. There is a good trend. We hope that the National Conference will win. I appeal to the people to come out and vote. This is not an ordinary election, it has come after ten years. We want statehood and special status here. We will fight for that and this is a first step in that direction."

Notably, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference party's candidate Khalid Najib Suharwardy is contesting against Congress party's Sheikh Riaz Ahmed and BJP's Gajay Singh Rana from Doda Assembly constituency.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in the first phase of polling. He asked them to cast their votes in support of the INDIA bloc, emphasising the importance of exercising their democratic rights.

In a post on X, Gandhi criticised the abrogation of Article 370.

"My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today the first phase of voting is taking place in the state. For the first time in the history of the country, the statehood of a state has been taken away and it has been made a union territory - this is a violation of the constitutional rights of all of you, it is an insult to Jammu and Kashmir," he said in a post on X.