Article 370, which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K), has been removed by a Presidential Order.

Home Minister Amit Shah also presented a J&amp;K Reorganisation Bill, through which the state has been bifurcated into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. With this, Article 35A has also been annulled, which was discriminatory against non-residents and women of J&amp;K.&nbsp;

With bigger mandate come bigger expectations. The right-wing supporters of BJP and RSS expected the Modi 2.0 government to walk the talk on Uniform Civil Code, Article 370, Article 35A, Ram Temple, Hindu rashtra, and other ideological issues. Through this, the BJP has fulfilled one of its long-standing promise.

In its 2019 poll manifesto, it had mentioned, “We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of Article 370.” Through this act, it consolidates its core vote bank, who have stood by the party through thick and thin. It establishes the one nation, one constitution principle.&nbsp;

As BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta put it in Rajya Sabha, the repeal of Article 370 establishes the political sovereignty of the Indian Parliament to whole of India without making any exception for J&amp;K.&nbsp;

The stunned opposition was clueless and ill-prepared despite these rumours doing the rounds for the last few days. Congress leader P Chidambaram called the move a “constitutional monstrosity” and warned other states against “future moves to dismember them”.

The move has the potential of making local political parties irrelevant. The National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have opposed the move. The Abdullahs and Muftis (dynasts) have been ruling the state for decades since Independence and exploited the local sentiments for their political benefit.&nbsp;

On expected lines, Omar Abdullah termed the decision as disastrous, illegal and unconstitutional. He alleged that the Government of India resorted to deceit and stealth and this is an aggression on the people of J&amp;K.

Mehbooba Mufti, meanwhile, termed it as the darkest day in Indian democracy. She slammed the unilateral decision of the Government of India to scrap Article 370, which will make India an occupational force in J&amp;K.&nbsp;

Both these leaders have been put under house arrest. PDP has been accused of being soft on separatists even during the brief rule of PDP-BJP combine in the state. There is a risk that since the PDP and NC face an existential threat, they could join hands with separatist groups to fan unrest in the Valley. It could also force the two Valley parties to form an alliance in state elections to take on the BJP.

Many critics feel that politically this move amounts to an assault on the Muslim identity of J&amp;K. The RSS has always believed that the only way to resolve Kashmir issue is through a sweeping demographic change in the state, facilitated by the integration of the Valley with the rest of country.&nbsp;

Political parties across the spectrum, including the BSP, BJD, YSRCP, AAP, TRS and the TDP supported the repeal of Article 370. It is a good sign for the Indian democracy and highlights the fact that on issues of national interest, parties cutting across political spectrum and irrespective of ideology, can come together and work unitedly. Arvind Kejriwal hoped it would bring peace in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

JD (U)’s opposition, though, is a cause of concern for the BJP, especially with the Bihar Assembly elections due next year. The party earlier opposed the Triple Talaq Bill as well. JD (U) is not part of the Union Cabinet and shares a love-hate relationship with the BJP. There are also rumours that Nitish could go back to Lalu’s RJD, which could weaken BJP’s chances in Bihar. After reorganisation, de-limitation could be the next thing that the BJP comes up with. Kashmir has 46, Jammu 37 and Ladakh four seats, implying that the party securing a majority in the Valley has been dominating the political scene in the state.&nbsp;

The people of Jammu and Ladakh have for years, alleged discrimination and lack of development. In terms of area as well as voter population per seat, Jammu is much bigger compared to the Kashmir Valley.

As per reports, de-limitation could increase seats of Jammu by 10-15, bringing it at least on par with Kashmir. Reservation of seats for the SC/ST community is also likely to be introduced.&nbsp;

BJP hopes to sweep the Jammu region, as and when elections are held, and instal a first non-Kashmiri and Hindu chief minister in the state. Even if PDP and NC join forces and win the elections, the issue is that the chief minister of a Union Territory doesn’t enjoy the same powers as other states. In Delhi, Kejriwal has been fighting for absolute powers and alleging how the BJP has been meddling in the affairs of the state through the Lieutenant Governor. So, the old days of Abdullahs and Muftis may never return. The BJP at the Centre will have the reins of power of the state.

In the recent past, the BJP has got UAPA/RTI Amendment Bill and the Triple Talaq Bill passed in the House of Elders despite not having a majority. The J&amp;K Reorganisation Bill was introduced first in Rajya Sabha and not in Lok Sabha. This reflects the BJP’s confidence after winning a brute majority in May, using far superior floor management skills.&nbsp;

It also shows that India is now not only Congress-mukt, but also opposition-mukt. The BJP has now occupied the dominant position once held by the Congress in India’s political space.&nbsp;

Now, over to courts as the decision is likely to be challenged!

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-game-up-for-abdullahs-muftis-2779226">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Article 370, which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been removed by a Presidential Order. Home Minister Amit Shah also presented a J&K Reorganisation Bill, through which the state has been bifurcated into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Article 370, which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been removed by a Presidential Order. Home Minister Amit Shah also presented a J&K Reorganisation Bill, through which the state has been bifurcated into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. With this, Article 35A has also been annulled, which was discriminatory against non-residents and women of J&K. With bigger mandate come bigger expectations. The right-wing supporters of BJP and RSS expected the Modi 2.0 government to walk the talk on Uniform Civil Code, Article 370, Article 35A, Ram Temple, Hindu rashtra, and other ideological issues. Through this, the BJP has fulfilled one of its long-standing promise. In its 2019 poll manifesto, it had mentioned, “We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of Article 370.” Through this act, it consolidates its core vote bank, who have stood by the party through thick and thin. It establishes the one nation, one constitution principle. As BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta put it in Rajya Sabha, the repeal of Article 370 establishes the political sovereignty of the Indian Parliament to whole of India without making any exception for J&K. The stunned opposition was clueless and ill-prepared despite these rumours doing the rounds for the last few days. Congress leader P Chidambaram called the move a “constitutional monstrosity” and warned other states against “future moves to dismember them”. The move has the potential of making local political parties irrelevant. The National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have opposed the move. The Abdullahs and Muftis (dynasts) have been ruling the state for decades since Independence and exploited the local sentiments for their political benefit. On expected lines, Omar Abdullah termed the decision as disastrous, illegal and unconstitutional. He alleged that the Government of India resorted to deceit and stealth and this is an aggression on the people of J&K. Mehbooba Mufti, meanwhile, termed it as the darkest day in Indian democracy. She slammed the unilateral decision of the Government of India to scrap Article 370, which will make India an occupational force in J&K. Both these leaders have been put under house arrest. PDP has been accused of being soft on separatists even during the brief rule of PDP-BJP combine in the state. There is a risk that since the PDP and NC face an existential threat, they could join hands with separatist groups to fan unrest in the Valley. It could also force the two Valley parties to form an alliance in state elections to take on the BJP. Many critics feel that politically this move amounts to an assault on the Muslim identity of J&K. The RSS has always believed that the only way to resolve Kashmir issue is through a sweeping demographic change in the state, facilitated by the integration of the Valley with the rest of country. Political parties across the spectrum, including the BSP, BJD, YSRCP, AAP, TRS and the TDP supported the repeal of Article 370. It is a good sign for the Indian democracy and highlights the fact that on issues of national interest, parties cutting across political spectrum and irrespective of ideology, can come together and work unitedly. Arvind Kejriwal hoped it would bring peace in the Kashmir Valley. JD (U)’s opposition, though, is a cause of concern for the BJP, especially with the Bihar Assembly elections due next year. The party earlier opposed the Triple Talaq Bill as well. JD (U) is not part of the Union Cabinet and shares a love-hate relationship with the BJP. There are also rumours that Nitish could go back to Lalu’s RJD, which could weaken BJP’s chances in Bihar. After reorganisation, de-limitation could be the next thing that the BJP comes up with. Kashmir has 46, Jammu 37 and Ladakh four seats, implying that the party securing a majority in the Valley has been dominating the political scene in the state. The people of Jammu and Ladakh have for years, alleged discrimination and lack of development. In terms of area as well as voter population per seat, Jammu is much bigger compared to the Kashmir Valley. As per reports, de-limitation could increase seats of Jammu by 10-15, bringing it at least on par with Kashmir. Reservation of seats for the SC/ST community is also likely to be introduced. BJP hopes to sweep the Jammu region, as and when elections are held, and instal a first non-Kashmiri and Hindu chief minister in the state. Even if PDP and NC join forces and win the elections, the issue is that the chief minister of a Union Territory doesn’t enjoy the same powers as other states. In Delhi, Kejriwal has been fighting for absolute powers and alleging how the BJP has been meddling in the affairs of the state through the Lieutenant Governor. So, the old days of Abdullahs and Muftis may never return. The BJP at the Centre will have the reins of power of the state. In the recent past, the BJP has got UAPA/RTI Amendment Bill and the Triple Talaq Bill passed in the House of Elders despite not having a majority. The J&K Reorganisation Bill was introduced first in Rajya Sabha and not in Lok Sabha. This reflects the BJP’s confidence after winning a brute majority in May, using far superior floor management skills. It also shows that India is now not only Congress-mukt, but also opposition-mukt. The BJP has now occupied the dominant position once held by the Congress in India’s political space. Now, over to courts as the decision is likely to be challenged! (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Game up for Abdullahs, Muftis

Former CMs Mehbooba Mufti & Omar Abdullah ar under house arrest. Cabinet meeting amid security buildup in New Delhi. At least 35,000 paramilitary forces have been deployed in the valley for maintaining peace. Section 144 also imposed in Srinagar.

PM Cabinet Meet's motive is to evaluate J&K's law and order

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that all the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should come together to give a message to the central government that they cannot tamper with the state's special position.

"The workers of all political parties should come together so that a message can be given to the Centre that they cannot tamper with J-K's special position. Recent developments in the state have created fear among the people. It appears that something is about to happen," she told reporters.

Mehbooba said that it was "unfortunate" that the central government has not issued a clear statement over the current situation as the state is rocked by rumours and uncertainty.

Earlier in the day, Mehbooba said that it is a travesty that the Centre has not made efforts to reach out and clarify on the situation in the state.

"Yet again the valley is on edge. It's a travesty that Central government hasn't made efforts to reach out and clarify recent developments," she tweeted.

Yesterday, the state government advised Amarnath yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley "immediately", shortly after the Indian Army said Pakistani terrorists were planning to disrupt the pilgrimage.

Criticising the move, Mufti said that the advisory created chaos and confusion among the people.

The Union Home Ministry had ordered the deployment of an additional 100 companies of central paramilitary forces in the state.

One company comprises around 100 personnel. Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft were also pressed into service to induct the security troops in Valley.

Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah earlier today asked the Centre to come forward and assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that there is nothing to worry about.

He also said Governor Satya Pal Malik assured him that so far no preparation has been made for any announcement regarding rumours on Article 35A, 370, delimitation and trifurcation.&nbsp;

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that all the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should come together to give a message to the central government that they cannot tamper with the state's special position.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that all the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should come together to give a message to the central government that they cannot tamper with the state's special position. "The workers of all political parties should come together so that a message can be given to the Centre that they cannot tamper with J-K's special position. Recent developments in the state have created fear among the people. It appears that something is about to happen," she told reporters. Mehbooba said that it was "unfortunate" that the central government has not issued a clear statement over the current situation as the state is rocked by rumours and uncertainty. Earlier in the day, Mehbooba said that it is a travesty that the Centre has not made efforts to reach out and clarify on the situation in the state. "Yet again the valley is on edge. It's a travesty that Central government hasn't made efforts to reach out and clarify recent developments," she tweeted. Yesterday, the state government advised Amarnath yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley "immediately", shortly after the Indian Army said Pakistani terrorists were planning to disrupt the pilgrimage. Criticising the move, Mufti said that the advisory created chaos and confusion among the people. The Union Home Ministry had ordered the deployment of an additional 100 companies of central paramilitary forces in the state. One company comprises around 100 personnel. Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft were also pressed into service to induct the security troops in Valley. Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah earlier today asked the Centre to come forward and assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that there is nothing to worry about. He also said Governor Satya Pal Malik assured him that so far no preparation has been made for any announcement regarding rumours on Article 35A, 370, delimitation and trifurcation.

Jammu and Kashmir parties should come together to give message to Centre over special status: Mehbooba

A Twitter war broke out between PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah following the passage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-239514">triple talaq bill</a> in Rajya Sabha, with the latter stating that PDP leaders abstaining from voting "helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill.

"Soon after the Rajya Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019, Mufti tweeted, "Fail to understand the need to pass the triple talaq bill especially since the Supreme Court had already declared it illegal. Undue interference seemingly to punish Muslims. Given the current state of the economy, should this really have been a priority?"

Mufti`s post didn`t go well with Abdullah, who tagged her post on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "Mehbooba Mufti ji, you might want to check how your members voted on this bill before tweeting. I understand they abstained which helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill. You can`t help the government and then `fail to understand need to pass`!"

Replying to him, Mufti tweeted, "Omar sahab, I suggest you get off your moral high horse since it was your own party that expelled Soz sahab for voting against the BJP in 1999. FYI in Parliament, abstention is essentially a no vote."Abdullah was quick to retort to Mufti`s claims, and wrote, "Madam, is recounting an incident from TWENTY years ago the best you can do to defend PDP duplicity? So you are accepting you instructed your MPs to abstain. And no an abstention is NOT a no vote, a no vote is a no vote. An abstention helped the BJP this time."

Modi government Tuesday scored a major victory in the Rajya Sabha when the House passed the Triple Talaq Bill after rejecting the opposition`s demand to refer the Bill to the Select Committee and to remove the criminality clause.

The Bill was passed with 99 members in its favour while 84 members voted against it in the final division. In the division on referring the Bill to the Select Committee, the government got 100 votes while 84 voted against.

The BJP-led NDA government, which does not have a majority in the Upper House, still managed to have smooth sailing for the contentious bill because parties like AIADMK, which has 11 members and JDU, with six, walked out after recording their opposition to the Bill. The BJD supported the Bill.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

A Twitter war broke out between PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah following the passage of triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha, with the latter stating that PDP leaders abstaining from voting "helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill.

A Twitter war broke out between PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah following the passage of triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha, with the latter stating that PDP leaders abstaining from voting "helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill. "Soon after the Rajya Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019, Mufti tweeted, "Fail to understand the need to pass the triple talaq bill especially since the Supreme Court had already declared it illegal. Undue interference seemingly to punish Muslims. Given the current state of the economy, should this really have been a priority?" Mufti`s post didn`t go well with Abdullah, who tagged her post on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "Mehbooba Mufti ji, you might want to check how your members voted on this bill before tweeting. I understand they abstained which helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill. You can`t help the government and then `fail to understand need to pass`!" Replying to him, Mufti tweeted, "Omar sahab, I suggest you get off your moral high horse since it was your own party that expelled Soz sahab for voting against the BJP in 1999. FYI in Parliament, abstention is essentially a no vote."Abdullah was quick to retort to Mufti`s claims, and wrote, "Madam, is recounting an incident from TWENTY years ago the best you can do to defend PDP duplicity? So you are accepting you instructed your MPs to abstain. And no an abstention is NOT a no vote, a no vote is a no vote. An abstention helped the BJP this time." Modi government Tuesday scored a major victory in the Rajya Sabha when the House passed the Triple Talaq Bill after rejecting the opposition`s demand to refer the Bill to the Select Committee and to remove the criminality clause. The Bill was passed with 99 members in its favour while 84 members voted against it in the final division. In the division on referring the Bill to the Select Committee, the government got 100 votes while 84 voted against. The BJP-led NDA government, which does not have a majority in the Upper House, still managed to have smooth sailing for the contentious bill because parties like AIADMK, which has 11 members and JDU, with six, walked out after recording their opposition to the Bill. The BJD supported the Bill. (With inputs from ANI)

Twitter war breaks out between Mufti, Omar over passage of triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha

Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that the priority of her party is to defend the identity of Kashmir and the legitimacy of Article 35A and Article 370 of the Constitution.

"Our priority is to defend our identity, especially the legitimacy of Article 35A and Article 370 of the Constitution. So, we are ready for the big fight," the former Chief Minister said on the 20th raising day of the PDP.

She claimed that it was her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who exerted the most pressure on the Central government to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"It was my father who tied the hands of the Central government to resolve the Kashmir issue," said Mehbooba.

She further asserted that her party is not corrupt and will not be cowed down by the NIA and the ED raids.

"My party and ministers are not corrupt. So, the NIA and the Enforcement Directorate raids are not the solutions. Any power including the Chief Minister's chair is not permanent for anyone," she said.

She had earlier stressed that the Kashmir issue is a political problem, which cannot be solved by using the military might.

"Jammu and Kashmir is a political issue. There is no military solution to this issue. It cannot be solved until you talk to Pakistan and the people here. You can establish temporary peace by (using military) but for long, lasting peace, it is necessary to solve the Kashmir problem (through talks)," she said.&nbsp;

Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that the priority of her party is to defend the identity of Kashmir and the legitimacy of Article 35A and Article 370 of the Constitution.

Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that the priority of her party is to defend the identity of Kashmir and the legitimacy of Article 35A and Article 370 of the Constitution. "Our priority is to defend our identity, especially the legitimacy of Article 35A and Article 370 of the Constitution. So, we are ready for the big fight," the former Chief Minister said on the 20th raising day of the PDP. She claimed that it was her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who exerted the most pressure on the Central government to resolve the Kashmir issue. "It was my father who tied the hands of the Central government to resolve the Kashmir issue," said Mehbooba. She further asserted that her party is not corrupt and will not be cowed down by the NIA and the ED raids. "My party and ministers are not corrupt. So, the NIA and the Enforcement Directorate raids are not the solutions. Any power including the Chief Minister's chair is not permanent for anyone," she said. She had earlier stressed that the Kashmir issue is a political problem, which cannot be solved by using the military might. "Jammu and Kashmir is a political issue. There is no military solution to this issue. It cannot be solved until you talk to Pakistan and the people here. You can establish temporary peace by (using military) but for long, lasting peace, it is necessary to solve the Kashmir problem (through talks)," she said.

Our priority is to defend Article 35A, Article 370: Mehbooba Mufti

As many as 95,923 pilgrims have performed the Amarnath Yatra since it started on July 1. However, no fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed to move towards the cave due to a protest called by locals to commemorate the death of Hizbul militant Burhan Wani.

Burhan Wani was killed in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on July 8, 2016 in a gunfight with the security forces.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said that the arrangements made by the government are causing inconvenience to locals.

"Amarnath Yatra is taking place since years. But unfortunately, the arrangements done this year are against the people of Kashmir. It's causing a lot of trouble in the day-to-day lives of local people. I would like to request the Governor to intervene in this," news agency ANI quoted the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister.

She further said that restriction on the use of Jammu and Kashmir highway by the locals is excesses against people by the Central government.&nbsp;

However, Governor Satyapal Malik asked people to bear with the curbs imposed on civilian traffic on the national highway for two hours daily as it concerns the safety and the security of the pilgrims. 
 
Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the safety of pilgrims. Last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on security arrangements for the yatra. State Governor Satyapal Malik also was also present in the review meeting.

Before the Home Minister's visit, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh visited units deployed for security of Amarnath yatra and reviewed the security arrangements on both the axis of Baltal and Pahalgam.&nbsp;

The 46-day long Amarnath Yatra kicked off on July 1 and will conclude on the 15th of next month coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As many as 95,923 pilgrims have performed the Amarnath Yatra since it started on July 1. However, no fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed to move towards the cave due to a protest called by locals to commemorate the death of Hizbul militant Burhan Wani.

As many as 95,923 pilgrims have performed the Amarnath Yatra since it started on July 1. However, no fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed to move towards the cave due to a protest called by locals to commemorate the death of Hizbul militant Burhan Wani. Burhan Wani was killed in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on July 8, 2016 in a gunfight with the security forces. Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said that the arrangements made by the government are causing inconvenience to locals. "Amarnath Yatra is taking place since years. But unfortunately, the arrangements done this year are against the people of Kashmir. It's causing a lot of trouble in the day-to-day lives of local people. I would like to request the Governor to intervene in this," news agency ANI quoted the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister. She further said that restriction on the use of Jammu and Kashmir highway by the locals is excesses against people by the Central government. However, Governor Satyapal Malik asked people to bear with the curbs imposed on civilian traffic on the national highway for two hours daily as it concerns the safety and the security of the pilgrims. Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the safety of pilgrims. Last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on security arrangements for the yatra. State Governor Satyapal Malik also was also present in the review meeting. Before the Home Minister's visit, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh visited units deployed for security of Amarnath yatra and reviewed the security arrangements on both the axis of Baltal and Pahalgam. The 46-day long Amarnath Yatra kicked off on July 1 and will conclude on the 15th of next month coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 95,000 visit Amarnath cave shrine; Mehbooba Mufti claims yatra arrangements irk locals

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased and Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar accident on Sunday.

At least 35 people lost their lives in Kishtwar district after a minibus fell into a gorge while it was travelling from Keshwan. Seventeen people have also been injured in the incident and are now being treated in a nearby hospital.

The incident took place after the driver of the minibus lost control and the vehicle fell into a gorge.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence to the families of the deceased and said that the accident is "heart-wrenching".

"The accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar is heart-wrenching. We mourn all those who lost their lives and express condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest," PM Modi said on Twitter.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he is "extremely saddened" by the incident and will "pray for the speedy recovery" of those who were injured.

"Extremely saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to a road accident in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir," Amit Shah said, adding, "My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones."&nbsp;

"I pray of the speedy recovery of those injured," he also said.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also offered her condolences and tweeted, " Saddened to hear about the tragic accident in Kishtwar. Deepest condolences to families of the bereaved".

Omar Abdullah, Jammu &amp; Kashmir National Conference leader, also condoled the accident and offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured through his Twitter account.

"Terrible news coming in about the high death toll in a bus accident in Kishtwar. Condolences to the families of the deceased &amp; prayers for the swift recovery of the injured," he tweeted.

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased and Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar accident on Sunday.

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased and Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar accident on Sunday. At least 35 people lost their lives in Kishtwar district after a minibus fell into a gorge while it was travelling from Keshwan. Seventeen people have also been injured in the incident and are now being treated in a nearby hospital. The incident took place after the driver of the minibus lost control and the vehicle fell into a gorge. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence to the families of the deceased and said that the accident is "heart-wrenching". "The accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar is heart-wrenching. We mourn all those who lost their lives and express condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest," PM Modi said on Twitter. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he is "extremely saddened" by the incident and will "pray for the speedy recovery" of those who were injured. "Extremely saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to a road accident in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir," Amit Shah said, adding, "My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones." "I pray of the speedy recovery of those injured," he also said. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also offered her condolences and tweeted, " Saddened to hear about the tragic accident in Kishtwar. Deepest condolences to families of the bereaved". Omar Abdullah, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leader, also condoled the accident and offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured through his Twitter account. "Terrible news coming in about the high death toll in a bus accident in Kishtwar. Condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers for the swift recovery of the injured," he tweeted.

Kishtwar accident: Jammu & Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik announces ex-gratia of 5 Lakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-chaired-all-party-meeting-over-one-nation-one-election-underway-at-parliament-228677">One nation, One election</a>' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said&nbsp;while speaking to the media after the meeting.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi.

"Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said.

"CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added.

Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress.

The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media after the meeting. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi. "Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said. "CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added. Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress. The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.

PM Modi to form committee for 'one nation, one election'

Heavy security forces have been deployed in Anantnag of Jammu & Kashmir for peaceful voting of Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019. There are total 18 candidates in fray for this Lok Sabha seat.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Heavy security forces in Anantnag of J&K for peaceful voting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a ride in an open SUV this morning as he made his way to Ahmedabad to cast his vote in the third phase of the national election. Surrounded by his bodyguards, PM Modi waved to a long line of people who waved back at him, in a roadshow-like display.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi casts his vote in Ahmedabad, urges people to vote in huge as well

Gautam Gambhir will contest in Lok Sabha Election 2019 from East Delhi against Arvinder Singh Lovely of Congress.

Gautam Gambhir to contest in LS Polls 2019 from East Delhi against Arvinder Singh Lovely

Election Commission has banned Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 72 hours.

Election Commission bans Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 72 hours

In phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, 20 Parliamentary seats up for grab in Kerala. watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: 20 Parliamentary seats up for grab in Kerala

In Lok Sabha Election 2019, Western Maharashtra to vote in Phase 3. Today, eyes on BJP-Sena alliance over NCP.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: West-Maharashtra to vote in Phase 3, eyes on BJP-Sena alliance over NCP

In this phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019, PM Modi will also cast his vote in Ahmedabad today. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi to cast his vote in Ahmedabad today

Today, Polling is also getting at the two important and crucial constituencies, i.e., Amit Shah's Gandhi Nagar & Rahul's Wayanad. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Amit Shah's Gandhi Nagar & Rahul's Wayanad in the fray today

Polling is underway for the third and largest phase of Lok Sabha election in 116 seats, including all constituencies in Gujarat and Kerala, with BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several Union ministers among prominent candidates in the fray.

High-Octane 'Phase 3' of Lok Sabha election 2019 battle underway

The Phase 3 of the 2019 General Election will take place on 23 April, 2019 where 116 Lok Sabha constituencies go to polls across 13 states.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: 13 states, 116 seats & 1600 contenders

The Phase 3 of the 2019 General Election will take place on 23 April, 2019 where 115 Lok Sabha constituencies go to polls across 14 states and Union Territories (UTs). Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will witness voting in some Lok Sabha seats. All parliamentary constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa and Daman and Diu will vote on 23 April in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on 23 May for the same.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Largest phase of polling underway

In Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, Voting is underway on 14 out of 28 seats of Karnataka. BS Yeddyurappa talked WION and said he is confident of son's victory.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: BS Yeddyurappa confident of son's victory in Karnataka

Voting for 302 seats out of 543 seats is about to end. 23.65% polling has been done as of 11 AM IST. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Voting for 302 out of 543 seats to end, 23.65% polling as of 11 AM IST

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 15th April, 2019.

India Election Watch; 15th April 2019

India Election Watch: Stones pelted on Mehbooba Mufti's cavalcade in Kashmir

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade came under stone-pelting in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday while she was returning from a shrine there, officials said.

Mehbooba had gone to a shrine at Khirram in Anantnag district to pay her obeisance and was returning to Bijbehara when the incident took place, they added.

One of the spare vehicles in the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister's motorcade was damaged in the stone-pelting and the driver was hurt, the officials said.

Others in the entourage, including the PDP president, escaped unhurt.

Mehbooba is contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha election from the Anantnag seat, which she had won in 2014. The south Kashmir constituency, spread over the four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian, is going to the polls in three phases from April 29 to May 6. 
&nbsp;

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade came under stone-pelting in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday while she was returning from a shrine there, officials said.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade came under stone-pelting in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday while she was returning from a shrine there, officials said. Mehbooba had gone to a shrine at Khirram in Anantnag district to pay her obeisance and was returning to Bijbehara when the incident took place, they added. One of the spare vehicles in the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister's motorcade was damaged in the stone-pelting and the driver was hurt, the officials said. Others in the entourage, including the PDP president, escaped unhurt. Mehbooba is contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha election from the Anantnag seat, which she had won in 2014. The south Kashmir constituency, spread over the four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian, is going to the polls in three phases from April 29 to May 6.

Stones hurled at Mehbooba's motorcade in Anantnag district of J&K

Two days after Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehbooba-mufti-and-gautam-gambhir-get-into-a-twitter-fight-over-article-370-209020">engaged in a war on Twitte</a>r, the former Indian cricketer said on Thursday that Mehbooba Mufti will drown if she does not "flow&nbsp;with the wave in the country".

Responding to reporters, he said, "She(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 crore people of the nation? There is a wave in this country and if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami and there is development".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Gautam Gambhir says, "she(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 cr people of the nation? There is a wave in this country &amp; if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami &amp; there is development" <a href="https://t.co/HR3jZHeyUT">pic.twitter.com/HR3jZHeyUT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1116295284160638976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The issue of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogating-article-370-will-pave-way-for-freedom-for-people-of-jk-farooq-abdullah-208854">Article 370</a> had triggered a war of words between the J&amp;K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir earlier this week.

On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".

Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote, "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you &nbsp;(Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.)

Mufti reacted by saying that, “Hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”.&nbsp;

She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter.

Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views.

Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

Two days after Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir engaged in a war on Twitter, the former Indian cricketer said on Thursday that Mehbooba Mufti will drown if she does not "flow with the wave in the country".

Two days after Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir engaged in a war on Twitter, the former Indian cricketer said on Thursday that Mehbooba Mufti will drown if she does not "flow with the wave in the country". Responding to reporters, he said, "She(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 crore people of the nation? There is a wave in this country and if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami and there is development". #WATCH Gautam Gambhir says, "she(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 cr people of the nation? There is a wave in this country & if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami & there is development" pic.twitter.com/HR3jZHeyUT — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2019 × The issue of Article 370 had triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir earlier this week. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution". Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote, "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you (Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.) Mufti reacted by saying that, “Hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter. Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views. Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

There is a wave in this country, if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown: Gambhir to Mehbooba Mufti

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&amp;K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;

On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".
<img alt="mufti" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf36f6bc-bba4-4af4-97d2-47ddc35ebefd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.PNG" />
Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote that: "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you &nbsp;(Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.)

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<a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MehboobaMufti</a> यह भारत है, कोई आप जैसा धब्बा नहीं जो मिट जाएगा!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1115330760930623488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mufti reacted by saying that, “hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter.

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Hope ur political innings in BJP isnt as abysmal as ur cricket career!
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1115482423540834304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Oh! So you have unblocked my twitter handle! U needed 10 hours to respond to my tweet and come up with such a pedestrian analogy!!! Too slow. It shows the lack of depth in ur personality. No wonder you guys have struggled to solve the issues at hand.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1115490642778566656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution". Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote that: "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you (Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.) @MehboobaMufti यह भारत है, कोई आप जैसा धब्बा नहीं जो मिट जाएगा! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 8, 2019 × Mufti reacted by saying that, “hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter. Hope ur political innings in BJP isnt as abysmal as ur cricket career! — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 9, 2019 × Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views. Oh! So you have unblocked my twitter handle! U needed 10 hours to respond to my tweet and come up with such a pedestrian analogy!!! Too slow. It shows the lack of depth in ur personality. No wonder you guys have struggled to solve the issues at hand. — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 9, 2019 × Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir get into a Twitter fight over Article 370

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party.

Before the roadshow, which started from Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad in the morning, Shah garlanded the pictures of Jan Sangh founders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

Shah asked the people present there to chant, "Jaha hue balidan Mukherjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai, sara ka sara hamara hai." (Where Mukhejee sacrificed his life, that Kashmir is ours, entire Kashmir is ours).

PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had recently criticised Shah, saying he was "daydreaming" about abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that provides special status to the state.

Shah set out on the roadshow in an open vehicle with BJP state unit president Jitu Vaghani accompanying him.

The roadshow will cover several areas of western parts of Ahmedabad city, which falls in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. It will pass through areas like Vejalpur, Prahladnagar, Jivraj Park, Mansi Crossroad and will end at Haveli in Vastrapur.

In the evening, Shah would take out another roadshow that will pass through the Sabarmati area.

Shah is expected to meet party workers in Bhopal area of his constituency on Saturday night and interact with them.

He has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998. This is Shah's maiden Lok Sabha election.

The BJP chief had filed his nomination last Saturday in the presence of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party.

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party. Before the roadshow, which started from Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad in the morning, Shah garlanded the pictures of Jan Sangh founders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Shah asked the people present there to chant, "Jaha hue balidan Mukherjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai, sara ka sara hamara hai." (Where Mukhejee sacrificed his life, that Kashmir is ours, entire Kashmir is ours). PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had recently criticised Shah, saying he was "daydreaming" about abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that provides special status to the state. Shah set out on the roadshow in an open vehicle with BJP state unit president Jitu Vaghani accompanying him. The roadshow will cover several areas of western parts of Ahmedabad city, which falls in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. It will pass through areas like Vejalpur, Prahladnagar, Jivraj Park, Mansi Crossroad and will end at Haveli in Vastrapur. In the evening, Shah would take out another roadshow that will pass through the Sabarmati area. Shah is expected to meet party workers in Bhopal area of his constituency on Saturday night and interact with them. He has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998. This is Shah's maiden Lok Sabha election. The BJP chief had filed his nomination last Saturday in the presence of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Ahmedabad: Amit Shah takes out roadshow in Gandhinagar on 39th foundation day of BJP

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oppositions-defeat-is-certain-bjp-shiv-sena-are-together-in-lok-sabha-polls-uddhav-thackeray-206756">Shiv Sena</a> on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading the word “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-labelled-peace-loving-hindus-as-terrorists-pm-modi-207160">Hindu terro</a>r” during its rule, saying it encouraged to carry o terrorists from Pakistan to carry out their activities in India. It also criticised former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehbooba-mufti-hits-out-at-jammu-and-kashmir-governor-for-reversing-decision-taken-by-her-govt-193057&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi63or467PhAhXch3AKHX61BnwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3vRl7ndVCM86XQKN7icah4">Mehbooba Mufti </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-hits-out-at-omar-abdullah-over-his-separate-pm-statement-207359">Omar Abdullah</a> over their stand on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-surreptitiously-inserted-by-nehru-govt-in-constitution-arun-jaitley-206257">Article 35-A</a> of the Constitution, saying if such voices are not curbed, the border state will remain in the grip of unrest and instability. The remarks of the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, came two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Congress, accusing it of insulting “peace-loving” Hindus by linking them to terrorism.

“The word ‘saffron terror’ or ‘Hindu terror’ was spread when the Congress was in power at the Centre. Besides allegations, false cases were also filed against Hindus in the Samjhauta train blast and Malegaon bomb blast cases,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’. It claimed that “gross injustice” was meted out to Swami Aseemanand (in the Samjhauta blast case), and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit (both accused in the Malegaon case).

“The spread of the term ‘Hindu terror’ encouraged terrorists from Pakistan. Pakistanis put the onus of terror strikes on Hindu extremists… now, a court has found Swami Assemanand not guilty,” the Marathi daily said. It noted that Modi, during his rally at Wardha in Maharashtra on Monday, slammed the Congress for insulting the Hindu religion worldwide and blotting the country’s 5,000-year-old culture by linking Hindus to terrorism. “Modi has aggressively played the Hindutva card in the 2019 battleground. Some say 40 per cent of the ground (at Wardha rally) was empty during Modi’s speech. But, it is important that 60 per cent was filled with people in the extremely hot weather conditions,” it said.

By raising a voice for it, Modi and the BJP have proved that “Hindutva cannot be separated from politics,” the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said. Further slamming the Congress, it said the party earlier claimed that late ATS chief Hemant Karkare, IPS officer Ashok Kamte and senior police inspector Vijay Salaskar were not killed by terrorists during the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/2611-attacks-4-days-of-terror-567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi8mLqh7LPhAhXFq48KHR_TCQkQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0v9LsVb-h0qaiKfP01zJok">26/11</a> attack in Mumbai, but were victims of “Hindu terror”.

“This was unfortunate for the country and brought disrepute to it. Pakistan’s hand in the attack could be proven as terrorist Ajmal Kasab was captured alive…otherwise the Pakistan connection would have remained hidden…,” it said. The Sena also hit out at PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over their stands on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-on-status-of-jk-not-a-temporary-provision-supreme-court-128245">Articles 370</a> and 35-A of the Constitution. Mufti recently warned that any tampering with Jammu and Kashmir’s special status would “undermine and nullify” the state’s accession to the Union, while Abdullah sought a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir. The Sena said both the leaders have openly challenged the Constitution and the law of the land.

“If such worms are not crushed in time, then Kashmir will always remain unstable and in unrest. Only the roar of Hindutva can provide a shield for the country. However the issue should not be forgotten after elections,” it said. Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of Articles 370 and 35-A, which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir and special rights and privileges to its “permanent residents”, respectively.

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading the word “Hindu terror” during its rule, saying it encouraged to carry o terrorists from Pakistan to carry out their activities in India.

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading the word “Hindu terror” during its rule, saying it encouraged to carry o terrorists from Pakistan to carry out their activities in India. It also criticised former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah over their stand on Article 35-A of the Constitution, saying if such voices are not curbed, the border state will remain in the grip of unrest and instability. The remarks of the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, came two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Congress, accusing it of insulting “peace-loving” Hindus by linking them to terrorism. “The word ‘saffron terror’ or ‘Hindu terror’ was spread when the Congress was in power at the Centre. Besides allegations, false cases were also filed against Hindus in the Samjhauta train blast and Malegaon bomb blast cases,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’. It claimed that “gross injustice” was meted out to Swami Aseemanand (in the Samjhauta blast case), and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit (both accused in the Malegaon case). “The spread of the term ‘Hindu terror’ encouraged terrorists from Pakistan. Pakistanis put the onus of terror strikes on Hindu extremists… now, a court has found Swami Assemanand not guilty,” the Marathi daily said. It noted that Modi, during his rally at Wardha in Maharashtra on Monday, slammed the Congress for insulting the Hindu religion worldwide and blotting the country’s 5,000-year-old culture by linking Hindus to terrorism. “Modi has aggressively played the Hindutva card in the 2019 battleground. Some say 40 per cent of the ground (at Wardha rally) was empty during Modi’s speech. But, it is important that 60 per cent was filled with people in the extremely hot weather conditions,” it said. By raising a voice for it, Modi and the BJP have proved that “Hindutva cannot be separated from politics,” the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said. Further slamming the Congress, it said the party earlier claimed that late ATS chief Hemant Karkare, IPS officer Ashok Kamte and senior police inspector Vijay Salaskar were not killed by terrorists during the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, but were victims of “Hindu terror”. “This was unfortunate for the country and brought disrepute to it. Pakistan’s hand in the attack could be proven as terrorist Ajmal Kasab was captured alive…otherwise the Pakistan connection would have remained hidden…,” it said. The Sena also hit out at PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over their stands on Articles 370 and 35-A of the Constitution. Mufti recently warned that any tampering with Jammu and Kashmir’s special status would “undermine and nullify” the state’s accession to the Union, while Abdullah sought a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir. The Sena said both the leaders have openly challenged the Constitution and the law of the land. “If such worms are not crushed in time, then Kashmir will always remain unstable and in unrest. Only the roar of Hindutva can provide a shield for the country. However the issue should not be forgotten after elections,” it said. Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of Articles 370 and 35-A, which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir and special rights and privileges to its “permanent residents”, respectively.

Shiv Sena flays Congress for spread of ‘Hindu terror’ terminology, says it encouraged Pakistan-based terrorists

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

"Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&amp;K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here.

Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state.

Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir.

The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India.&nbsp;

"Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said.

Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters.&nbsp;

Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked. "Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here. Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state. Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India. "Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said. Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters. Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

If special status withdrawn, ties between J&K and India will be over: Mehbooba

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will be the PDP candidate from Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency but the party has decided not to field any candidates for Jammu and Udhampur seats in a bid to prevent division of "secular votes".

Announcing the party candidates, PDP chief Mehbooba said Aga Mohsin will be the party candidate for Srinagar seat.

"I will contest from Anantnag seat, " she told reporters.

The party has already named former employees' union leader Abdul Qayoom Wani for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat.

Mehbooba said the parliamentary board of the party, which met earlier on Saturday, decided not to field any candidates from the two Lok Sabha seats in Jammu region.

"The opposition front is not functioning as it should have but we have taken a unilateral decision to not field candidates from these seats so that the secular vote does not get divided," she said.

Mehbooba said her party had taken around 1.75 lakh votes in 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu seat and over 30,000 in Udhampur seat.

She said the party has not taken a decision yet on the Ladakh parliamentary seat.&nbsp;

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will be the PDP candidate from Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency but the party has decided not to field any candidates for Jammu and Udhampur seats in a bid to prevent division of "secular votes".

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will be the PDP candidate from Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency but the party has decided not to field any candidates for Jammu and Udhampur seats in a bid to prevent division of "secular votes". Announcing the party candidates, PDP chief Mehbooba said Aga Mohsin will be the party candidate for Srinagar seat. "I will contest from Anantnag seat, " she told reporters. The party has already named former employees' union leader Abdul Qayoom Wani for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. Mehbooba said the parliamentary board of the party, which met earlier on Saturday, decided not to field any candidates from the two Lok Sabha seats in Jammu region. "The opposition front is not functioning as it should have but we have taken a unilateral decision to not field candidates from these seats so that the secular vote does not get divided," she said. Mehbooba said her party had taken around 1.75 lakh votes in 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu seat and over 30,000 in Udhampur seat. She said the party has not taken a decision yet on the Ladakh parliamentary seat.

Mehbooba to contest from Anantnag; PDP not to field candidates from Udhampur, Jammu

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan.

"It's a very welcome step that the Kartarpur Corridor is being opened. I wish we could have more such corridors - Jammu-Sialkot, etc. These roots can allow people and goods to go across from these borders. It would promote friendship rather than animosity between the two sides," Mufti told ANI on Tuesday.

Following delegation-level talks on March 14, experts from India and Pakistan held a meeting at the Zero Point of the Kartarpur Corridor to discuss technical details, including Finished Road Level, High Flood level.

The next meeting on operationalisation of the corridor will be held at Wagah on April 2.

Meanwhile, Mufti, while taking a jibe at BJP`s 'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;campaign, said, "This is for the first time in the history of our country, with our Prime Minister as the 'Chowkidar', you still have people like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi, who are looting the country with thousands and thousands of crore rupees and they have left the country. So, I don't know what kind of a 'Chowkidar'&nbsp;you are talking about."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign on Saturday, a day after which he and a number of other BJP leaders added the prefix 'chowkidar'&nbsp;to their respective Twitter handles.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan. "It's a very welcome step that the Kartarpur Corridor is being opened. I wish we could have more such corridors - Jammu-Sialkot, etc. These roots can allow people and goods to go across from these borders. It would promote friendship rather than animosity between the two sides," Mufti told ANI on Tuesday. Following delegation-level talks on March 14, experts from India and Pakistan held a meeting at the Zero Point of the Kartarpur Corridor to discuss technical details, including Finished Road Level, High Flood level. The next meeting on operationalisation of the corridor will be held at Wagah on April 2. Meanwhile, Mufti, while taking a jibe at BJP`s 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, said, "This is for the first time in the history of our country, with our Prime Minister as the 'Chowkidar', you still have people like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi, who are looting the country with thousands and thousands of crore rupees and they have left the country. So, I don't know what kind of a 'Chowkidar' you are talking about." Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign on Saturday, a day after which he and a number of other BJP leaders added the prefix 'chowkidar' to their respective Twitter handles.

Wish we could have more corridors like Kartarpur between India, Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti

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