The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election is set to be a pivotal moment for the Union territory's major political parties, with several high-profile candidates in the race. Among the 239 candidates vying for 26 constituencies are former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, BJP's state president Ravinder Raina, and Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari.

Jammu and Kashmir Gears Up For Phase 2 Of Assembly Elections On September 25

Rahul Gandhi is on the campaign trail in Jammu and Kashmir, where he has been vocal in criticizing the BJP's policies. Addressing rallies and meeting with local communities, Gandhi is highlighting key issues and advocating for change as he aims to connect with voters in the region. His remarks come ahead of the upcoming elections, where political tensions are running high.

Rahul Gandhi Campaigns In Jammu & Kashmir, Criticizes BJP Policies

#Gravitas | Amid tight security arrangements, the polling for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began on Wednesday (Sep 18). 58.19% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm in the first phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly election, as per Election Commission of India (EC). Watch in for more details!

Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: 59% Voter Turnout In Phase One of J&K Assembly Election

Amid tight security arrangements, the polling for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began on Wednesday (Sep 18). 58.19% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm in the first phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly election, as per Election Commission of India (EC). Watch in for more details!

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections: 59% Voter Turnout Recorded In Phase One Of J&K Polls

Phase one of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is underway, with voters heading to the polls to decide the future of the region. This election holds significant importance, as it will shape the political landscape and address key issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Stay tuned for updates on voter turnout, key constituencies, and what's at stake for the region's governance and development.

Jammu and Kashmir Elections: Voting Underway In Phase One, What's At Stake?

The first phase of the long-awaited Jammu and Kashmir elections is underway, with seven districts voting today -- the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. More than 23.27 lakh voters — 11.76 lakh men and 11.51 lakh women — are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase which will see 24 Assembly constituencies contested across the Chenab Valley districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, as well as the South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian. Watch in for more details!

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections: Voting Underway In Phase One Of J&K Polls

The Election Commission of India reported a 26.72 percent voter turnout in the first four hours of polling for the 24 assembly seats in phase 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir elections, with Inderwal in Jammu recording the highest turnout at 40.36 percent, followed by Dada West with 35 percent.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 Voting Underway As Phase One Begins

For the first time in a decade, seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir, situated on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain range, will participate in an Assembly election. Phase 1 polling in the Union Territory is scheduled for September 18, 2024.

Jammu and Kashmir Elections: Phase One To Be Held On September 18

In a fresh twist in the political arena of Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has forged an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. National Conference leaders allege that these alliances are at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which wants to divide the vote in the valley.

The AIP-JEI coalition said their strategic alliance will champion the cause of the people of J&amp;K. While Jamaat is fighting electoral politics after four long decades, the AIP is also fielding candidates across the valley for the first time.

A joint meeting of the AIP delegation was led by MP Rashid while the JEI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. Following deliberations, it was agreed that AIP would support JEI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-elections-2024-how-separatism-converted-into-mainstream-758665">Watch |&nbsp;Jammu &amp; Kashmir Elections 2024: How separatism converted into mainstream</a>

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Similarly, JEI will support &nbsp;AIP candidates across Kashmir. In areas where both AIP and JEI have fielded candidates, the alliance has agreed to a “friendly contest,” particularly in constituencies like Langate, Devsar and Zainapora.

''We had a meeting with Jamaat members in Srinagar and after the meeting, we have given a joint statement that we will support each other in places where they have fielded candidates and they will help us where our candidates are fighting. This decision has been taken only to unite together and fight against oppression,'' said Rashid.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-assembly-polls-2024-dozens-of-separatists-family-members-in-election-fray-758454">Also read |&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls 2024: Dozens of separatists, family members in election fray</a>

Meanwhile, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has criticised the alliance of Jamaat members with AIP.&nbsp;

''The wires are connected somewhere else, they are getting direction from somewhere else. They are puppets who are being run from somewhere else. They have been put in the field to target the National Conference and the National Conference is all set and ready to face them, '' said Abdullah.&nbsp;

While AIP and Jamaat have come together to fight the assembly elections, it has created a new challenge for the established regional political parties like NC and PDP.

In a fresh twist in the political arena of Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has forged an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) candidates for the upcoming assembly elections.

In a fresh twist in the political arena of Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has forged an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. National Conference leaders allege that these alliances are at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which wants to divide the vote in the valley. The AIP-JEI coalition said their strategic alliance will champion the cause of the people of J&K. While Jamaat is fighting electoral politics after four long decades, the AIP is also fielding candidates across the valley for the first time. A joint meeting of the AIP delegation was led by MP Rashid while the JEI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. Following deliberations, it was agreed that AIP would support JEI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama. Watch | Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: How separatism converted into mainstream × Similarly, JEI will support AIP candidates across Kashmir. In areas where both AIP and JEI have fielded candidates, the alliance has agreed to a “friendly contest,” particularly in constituencies like Langate, Devsar and Zainapora. ''We had a meeting with Jamaat members in Srinagar and after the meeting, we have given a joint statement that we will support each other in places where they have fielded candidates and they will help us where our candidates are fighting. This decision has been taken only to unite together and fight against oppression,'' said Rashid. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls 2024: Dozens of separatists, family members in election fray Meanwhile, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has criticised the alliance of Jamaat members with AIP. ''The wires are connected somewhere else, they are getting direction from somewhere else. They are puppets who are being run from somewhere else. They have been put in the field to target the National Conference and the National Conference is all set and ready to face them, '' said Abdullah. While AIP and Jamaat have come together to fight the assembly elections, it has created a new challenge for the established regional political parties like NC and PDP.

J&K polls: With Jamaat forging alliance with Rashid’s AIP, NC says all of it happening at behest of BJP

The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are signaling a radical change in the politics of the region, indicating a major ideological change in the Kashmir Valley. Our special correspondent Idrees Lone gets you a report. Watch in for more details!

Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: Ideological changes draw attention ahead of key polls

With the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the political parties in the Union Territory have already stepped up the poll preparations.

The Election Commission of India announced Assembly Elections for Jammu and Kashmir will&nbsp;start on September 18. The election will be held in three phases, and the counting will be held on October 8.&nbsp;

The political circles are once again abuzz in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as assembly elections will be held in the UT after 10 long years. Within few days of the announcement, many political leaders have already switched sides and joined other political parties. Senior Leader Taj Mohiuddin has once again joined Congress party and left Ghulam Nabi Azad's DPAP. Former Minister and APNI Party leader has also quit and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Omar Abdullah released the Party Manifesto in Srinagar on Monday. The main issue in the manifesto still remains the revocation of Article 370 and 35a. It also talks about restoring statehood.&nbsp;

''Our manifesto was not prepared while sitting in office but took in consideration the opinions of people. It focusses on Restoration of our Political and Legal Status which is article 370 and 35a. Also about restoring the Statehood. We will also repeal all the new laws that have been introduced due to which our lands are being given away. It also speaks about the people languishing in jails, we will give amnesty to all political prisoners and repeal the PSA," said Omar Abdullah, former CM of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The manifesto also speaks about advocating for Indo-Pak dialogue as the best method to resolve ongoing conflicts. It also says that the JKNC is strongly committed to the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Not only that, NC also announced freebies for the citizens, including&nbsp;free education for all till university, and 200 units of electricity for every household.&nbsp;

''Electricity prices are going up and water is not available everywhere, we will address this as well. We will give 200 units free electricity. ‎Free education will be given to the students of J&amp;K upto University level. We will favour the India-Pakistan talks and support the CBM’s that were put at the time of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh,'' said&nbsp;Omar.&nbsp;

None of the political parties have announced any alliance, but Congress and National Conference will soon discuss it. The National Conference has said that they will speak to the higher ups in Congress regarding a pre-poll alliance, while Congress leaders in Srinagar have said that they are open to ally with like-minded parties. Congress&nbsp;state president Tariq Qarra said in Srinagar that they will talk to regional political parties regarding an alliance.&nbsp;

''As far as the alliance, we are open to like-minded people or the parties to forge an alliance with them. NC has directly approached the party leadership in Delhi for a pre-poll alliance. If parties are of the idea that we have to defeat divisive forces and BJP, they will definitely ally with the Congress. And we will definitely succeed,” said Qarra.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir will see a lot of new faces in the upcoming assembly elections as well.

With the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the political parties in the Union Territory have already stepped up the poll preparations. The Election Commission of India announced Assembly Elections for Jammu and Kashmir will start on September 18.

With the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the political parties in the Union Territory have already stepped up the poll preparations. The Election Commission of India announced Assembly Elections for Jammu and Kashmir will start on September 18. The election will be held in three phases, and the counting will be held on October 8. The political circles are once again abuzz in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as assembly elections will be held in the UT after 10 long years. Within few days of the announcement, many political leaders have already switched sides and joined other political parties. Senior Leader Taj Mohiuddin has once again joined Congress party and left Ghulam Nabi Azad's DPAP. Former Minister and APNI Party leader has also quit and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Meanwhile, the Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Omar Abdullah released the Party Manifesto in Srinagar on Monday. The main issue in the manifesto still remains the revocation of Article 370 and 35a. It also talks about restoring statehood. ''Our manifesto was not prepared while sitting in office but took in consideration the opinions of people. It focusses on Restoration of our Political and Legal Status which is article 370 and 35a. Also about restoring the Statehood. We will also repeal all the new laws that have been introduced due to which our lands are being given away. It also speaks about the people languishing in jails, we will give amnesty to all political prisoners and repeal the PSA," said Omar Abdullah, former CM of Jammu and Kashmir. The manifesto also speaks about advocating for Indo-Pak dialogue as the best method to resolve ongoing conflicts. It also says that the JKNC is strongly committed to the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Not only that, NC also announced freebies for the citizens, including free education for all till university, and 200 units of electricity for every household. ''Electricity prices are going up and water is not available everywhere, we will address this as well. We will give 200 units free electricity. ‎Free education will be given to the students of J&K upto University level. We will favour the India-Pakistan talks and support the CBM’s that were put at the time of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh,'' said Omar. None of the political parties have announced any alliance, but Congress and National Conference will soon discuss it. The National Conference has said that they will speak to the higher ups in Congress regarding a pre-poll alliance, while Congress leaders in Srinagar have said that they are open to ally with like-minded parties. Congress state president Tariq Qarra said in Srinagar that they will talk to regional political parties regarding an alliance. ''As far as the alliance, we are open to like-minded people or the parties to forge an alliance with them. NC has directly approached the party leadership in Delhi for a pre-poll alliance. If parties are of the idea that we have to defeat divisive forces and BJP, they will definitely ally with the Congress. And we will definitely succeed,” said Qarra. Jammu and Kashmir will see a lot of new faces in the upcoming assembly elections as well.

Political arena in Jammu & Kashmir abuzz after announcement of assembly elections

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday (June 2) registered a landslide victory in the Himalayan state by securing 31 of the 32 seats in the assembly polls, as per the data released by the Election Commission.

The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front only won one seat.

Incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang told the reporters, "I thank the people of Sikkim and our party workers. We worked for the people with all our heart. That's why we have won."&nbsp;

SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling, who is also Sikkim's longest-serving CM, lost from both Poklok Kamrang as well as Namcheybung Assembly constituencies from where he contested the polls, said the Election Commission officials.

Chamling lost to Sikkim Krantikari Morcha's Bhoj Raj Rai by 3,063 votes in the Poklok Kamrang constituency in his native Namchi district.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-polls-2024-bjp-returns-to-power-in-arunachal-pradesh-secures-46-out-of-60-seats-728034">Also read:&nbsp;Assembly Polls 2024: BJP returns to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats</a>

<h2>Top points:</h2>

- Rai bagged 8,037 votes while Chamling polled 4,974.

- Arjun Rai (BJP) received 739 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly seat

- Sanju Rai (CAP-S) got 691 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency

- Chamling lost to SKM's Raju Basnet by 2,256 votes from the Namcheybung assembly seat

- Basnet received 7,195 votes while Chamling got 4,939.

- Severine Rai of Citizen Action Party-Sikkim got 814 votes

- BJP's Pooja Sharma got 374 votes

Chamling served as Sikkim's CM for 25 years from 1994 to 2019.

Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian state of Sikkim on April 19 simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Voting was held for 32 seats in the state.

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Sikkim recorded a voter turnout of 68.04 per cent.

It was significantly less than what was recorded in 2019, which was 81.41 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday (June 2) registered a landslide victory in the Himalayan state by securing 31 of the 32 seats in the assembly polls, as per the data released by the Election Commission.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday (June 2) registered a landslide victory in the Himalayan state by securing 31 of the 32 seats in the assembly polls, as per the data released by the Election Commission. The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front only won one seat. Incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang told the reporters, "I thank the people of Sikkim and our party workers. We worked for the people with all our heart. That's why we have won." SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling, who is also Sikkim's longest-serving CM, lost from both Poklok Kamrang as well as Namcheybung Assembly constituencies from where he contested the polls, said the Election Commission officials. Chamling lost to Sikkim Krantikari Morcha's Bhoj Raj Rai by 3,063 votes in the Poklok Kamrang constituency in his native Namchi district. Also read: Assembly Polls 2024: BJP returns to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats Top points: - Rai bagged 8,037 votes while Chamling polled 4,974. - Arjun Rai (BJP) received 739 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly seat - Sanju Rai (CAP-S) got 691 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency - Chamling lost to SKM's Raju Basnet by 2,256 votes from the Namcheybung assembly seat - Basnet received 7,195 votes while Chamling got 4,939. - Severine Rai of Citizen Action Party-Sikkim got 814 votes - BJP's Pooja Sharma got 374 votes Chamling served as Sikkim's CM for 25 years from 1994 to 2019. Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian state of Sikkim on April 19 simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Voting was held for 32 seats in the state. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Sikkim recorded a voter turnout of 68.04 per cent. It was significantly less than what was recorded in 2019, which was 81.41 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly Polls 2024: Sikkim’s ruling SKM registers landslide victory, wins 31 out of 32 seats

Ahead of the 2024&nbsp;Legislative Assembly election in the northeast Indian state of&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh this summer, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Mar 13) unveiled its candidates for all 60 seats.

Notably, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been nominated to contest from the Mukto (ST) constituency. The assembly elections come as India also prepares for the 2024 general elections.

While sharing the full list of candidates for assembly elections, BJP wrote on X social media platform, "The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mukhtar-ansari-jailed-mafia-don-turned-politician-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-699695">Mukhtar Ansari, jailed mafia don-turned-politician, sentenced to life imprisonment</a>

Entrepreneur&nbsp;Ratu Techi, who joined the BJP in December last year, has also secured a spot on the party's candidate list.

He has been fielded in the Sagalee constituency, presently represented by former chief minister Nabam Tuki.

Techi, at the time of joining the saffron party, had said&nbsp;that he is confident in the party's leadership for good governance.

<blockquote>
The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/D0mpKUyWMH">pic.twitter.com/D0mpKUyWMH</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1767846237599134202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Congress party won the 2014 Assembly elections by clinching a total of 42 out of 60 seats while the BJP won in only 11.

However, the BJP came to power after the 2019 assembly elections after securing 41 seats in the state.&nbsp;

In the upcoming assembly elections, Biyuram Wahge, the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh chief, will vie for the Pakke-Kessang (ST) seat.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein will contest from the Chowkhan (ST) assembly constituency.

The BJP has nominated Kamlun Mossang, Minister of Urban Development, for the Miao (ST) seat; Honchun Ngandam, Minister of Rural Works and Science and Technology, for the Pongchao-Wakka (ST) seat; and Wangki Lowang, Minister of Public Health Engineering and Water Supply, for the Namsang (ST) seat.

<h2>Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha constituencies</h2>

Arunachal Pradesh comprises two Lok Sabha constituencies.

In the 2014 general elections, the BJP emerged victorious in these constituencies, securing both seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well, the BJP secured victory in both Lok Sabha constituencies of the state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cm-nayab-singh-saini-led-haryana-govt-wins-floor-test-in-state-assembly-699670">India: CM Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana govt wins floor test in state assembly</a>

BJP leader and Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiran Rijiju won the Arunachal West seat while the party's Tapir Gao won the Arunachal East seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-2024-karnataka-three-former-bjp-leaders-join-congress-699684">India General Elections 2024 | Karnataka: Three former BJP leaders join Congress</a>

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This time as well, the party on March 3 said that it is fielding minister Rijiju and the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh president Tapir Gao as its candidates from the two parliament seats in the state.&nbsp;

Rijiju will contest from the&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh West seat and Gao from the East seat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the 2024 Legislative Assembly election in the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh this summer, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Mar 13) unveiled its candidates for all 60 seats.

Ahead of the 2024 Legislative Assembly election in the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh this summer, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Mar 13) unveiled its candidates for all 60 seats. Notably, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been nominated to contest from the Mukto (ST) constituency. The assembly elections come as India also prepares for the 2024 general elections. While sharing the full list of candidates for assembly elections, BJP wrote on X social media platform, "The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh." Also Read | Mukhtar Ansari, jailed mafia don-turned-politician, sentenced to life imprisonment Entrepreneur Ratu Techi, who joined the BJP in December last year, has also secured a spot on the party's candidate list. He has been fielded in the Sagalee constituency, presently represented by former chief minister Nabam Tuki. Techi, at the time of joining the saffron party, had said that he is confident in the party's leadership for good governance. The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/D0mpKUyWMH — BJP (@BJP4India) March 13, 2024 × Congress party won the 2014 Assembly elections by clinching a total of 42 out of 60 seats while the BJP won in only 11. However, the BJP came to power after the 2019 assembly elections after securing 41 seats in the state. In the upcoming assembly elections, Biyuram Wahge, the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh chief, will vie for the Pakke-Kessang (ST) seat. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein will contest from the Chowkhan (ST) assembly constituency. The BJP has nominated Kamlun Mossang, Minister of Urban Development, for the Miao (ST) seat; Honchun Ngandam, Minister of Rural Works and Science and Technology, for the Pongchao-Wakka (ST) seat; and Wangki Lowang, Minister of Public Health Engineering and Water Supply, for the Namsang (ST) seat. Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha constituencies Arunachal Pradesh comprises two Lok Sabha constituencies. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP emerged victorious in these constituencies, securing both seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well, the BJP secured victory in both Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. Also Read | India: CM Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana govt wins floor test in state assembly BJP leader and Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiran Rijiju won the Arunachal West seat while the party's Tapir Gao won the Arunachal East seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Watch | India General Elections 2024 | Karnataka: Three former BJP leaders join Congress × This time as well, the party on March 3 said that it is fielding minister Rijiju and the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh president Tapir Gao as its candidates from the two parliament seats in the state. Rijiju will contest from the Arunachal Pradesh West seat and Gao from the East seat. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP releases full candidate list for Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls, CM to contest from Mukto

The BJP is setting its sights on winning 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the Northeast. In a meeting of senior party members in Guwahati - days ahead of the beginning of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra - party president J P Nadda chalked out extensive plans for rallies and campaigns in the region.

BJP aims for 22/25 seats from the North East| Congress to launch yatra from Manipur

The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 were amended in 2013 to allow for a printer with a drop box to be attached to the EVM. The VVPAT was used for the first time in all 21 polling stations of the Noksen Assembly constituency of Nagaland in 2013, after which the EC decided to introduce VVPATs in a phased manner. From June 2017, 100% of VVPATs began to be used in polls, and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections became the first general election to have 100% of EVMs being attached to VVPATs.

What are VVPATs | Why are they crucial for Indian Elections | The debate around them

The roadshow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted the Thrissur city in Kerala saffron on January 3 (Wednesday). Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flags, saffron balloons, ribbons, festoons and banners created a sea of saffron in the city. The Prime minister was showered with bright saffron and yellow marigold petals throughout his roadshow.

PM Modi launches 2024 poll campaign in Kerala's Thrissur

PM Modi inaugurates new projects in Tamil Nadu, lays stone for new initiatives worth over ₹20,000 crore. PM Modi is the first prime Minister to address the convocation ceremony of the varsity, established in 1982

PM Modi touring Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshwadeep ahead of 2024 polls

In a strategic move, the Congress party has decided to independently contest elections on approximately 290 seats in the upcoming 2024 polls. The decision comes after a consensus was reached during the two-day meeting of the Alliance Committee held on December 29 and 30, said sources.

India alliance begins seat sharing talks | Congress to contest in 290 seats: Sources

Get ready for a new year bonanza. With the general elections due in the first half of 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is working on huge cuts – upwards of Rs 8 per litre -- in the retail prices of petrol and diesel that would be announced before the calendar year ends.

Sources say 8-10 rupees cuts on fuel prices can be expected in the new year

Bolstered by its success in the recent state polls, BJP is geared up to finalise its Lok Sabha candidates early amid indications that the party leadership is considering encouraging a few heavyweights who are in the Rajya Sabha to take the field. Sources said the success of the experiment of announcing its list early worked well in the state polls, helping the party get a vital headstart over its rivals, besides smoothing the ruffled sentiments of those who were not considered.

BJP may release first list of candidates as early as January

Nine Indian states witnessed the Legislative Assembly elections this year, making 2023 a crucial period for Indian politics. Moreover, India's top court asked the Election Commission to conduct Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nine Indian states witnessed the Legislative Assembly elections this year, making 2023 a crucial period for Indian politics. Moreover, India's top court asked the Election Commission to conduct Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. These polls held more significance as they have set the stage for General Elections in 2024. As the results for all state Legislative Assemblies are out, here's a glimpse into the elections held in the nine Indian states. State Voter Turnout (%) Party With Most Seats Number Of Seats Chief Minister Tripura 87.6 Bharatiya Janata Party 32/60 Manik Saha Meghalaya 81.75 National People's Party 26/60 Conrad Sangma Nagaland 85.9 Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party 25/60 Neiphiu Rio Karnataka 72.81 Indian National Congress 135/224 Siddaramaiah Telangana 70.6 Indian National Congress 64/119 Revanth Reddy Chhattisgarh 76.31 Bharatiya Janata Party 54/90 Vishnu Deo Sai Madhya Pradesh 76.22 Bharatiya Janata Party 163/230 Mohan Yadav Rajasthan 75.45 Bharatiya Janata Party 115/199 Bhajan Lal Sharma Mizoram 80.43 Zoram People's Movement 27/40 Lalduhoma Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalya The Legislative Assembly elections started in February 2023 with the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged victorious in the Tripura Assembly elections for the second time by winning 32 out of 60 seats. However, Tipra Motha Party, a two-year-old regional political party, stole the limelight as they formed the opposition with 13 seats, beating the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which has been prominent in the northeastern state. In Nagaland, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party won 25 out of 60 seats. They had to ally with the BJP, who won 12 seats, to form the government. Meanwhile, elections were held in 59 out of 60 constituencies in Meghalaya, out of which the National People's Party won 26 seats. They formed a coalition government with the United Democratic Party (12), Bharatiya Janata Party (2), Hill State People's Democratic Party (2) and two independent candidates. Although BJP did not win in two of the three northeastern states, the party is a part of the larger alliance, which eventually influences the decision-making process. Karnataka, Telangana BJP's arch-rival, the Indian National Congress (INC), failed to perform in the Assembly elections in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya but emerged victorious in the Karnataka Assembly elections by getting 135 out of 224 seats in May 2023. BJP's seats in the Karnataka Assembly dropped by 36.53 per cent, from 104 in the 2019 elections to 66 in 2023. Unlike the previous elections, INC's unparalleled victory in May 2023 allowed them to form a full-fledged government without needing a coalition with Janata Dal (Secular), who won 37 seats. INC dominated the Telangana Assembly elections by winning 64 out of 119 seats. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BHRS) came second by winning 39 seats. BJP contested from 118 seats but won only eight. Moreover, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) contested from only eight seats and won seven. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan There was a striking similarity in the Assembly election results of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. BJP turned the tables in all three states, defeating Congress, which formed the government in the three states after the previous Assembly elections in 2018. In Chhattisgarh, BJP saw a 72.2 per cent rise in seats by getting 54 out of 90 seats in 2023 compared to 15 seats in 2018. Congress's seats in the state Legislative Assembly dropped from 68 in 2018 to 35 in 2023. Although Congress won the MP Assembly elections in 2018, Kamal Nath's government collapsed two years later when Jyotiraditya Scindia and 22 other MLAs deflected to BJP. In the 2023 Assembly elections, BJP emerged victorious in Madhya Pradesh by getting 163 out of 230 seats. In Rajasthan, BJP swept Congress by winning 115 out of 199 seats. Mizoram In Mizoram, the battle was between the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Mizo National Front (MNF). While ZPM emerged victorious with 27 seats, MNF formed the opposition with 10 seats. INC, a party which once formed the government in Mizoram in 2013 by getting 34 out of 40 seats, won only one seat in the 2023 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, the BJP made little progress by winning two seats in 2023 polls compared to one in 2018.

Yearender 2023: A glimpse into the Assembly elections held in nine Indian states this year

PM Modi: State election win is a message for upcoming 2024 elections

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Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12).

MLA Bhajanlal Sharma is Rajasthan's new Chief Minister