JAMMU KASHMIR POLLS
Ladakh's Kargil region may witness 'complete shutdown' today
Civil society organizations in Kargil have called for a complete shutdown on November 10. They demand the postponement of elections for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. Concerns arise that elections may take place during the winter migration period. Political parties and various groups have shown their support for this shutdown. A candlelight march will further emphasize their demand for democratic representation in the region.
India to conduct population census from January 25 to February 28, 2027; March 1 set as reference date
India's population census will be conducted from January 25 to February 28, 2027, with March 1 designated as the reference date. Self-enumeration will be available from January 10 to 24, ahead of house-to-house counting. Certain poll-going states and snow-bound regions have been excluded from the announced schedule.
Omar Abdullah expands J-K cabinet, inducts four new ministers
On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expanded his council by swearing in four new ministers. The new ministers include Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shameema Firdous, and Altaf Ahmad Wani. Sagar, a seven-time MLA, has consistently won elections since his first in 1983. Firdous is the second woman to join the Abdullah-led council, enhancing representation.
Election Commission bars transfer of officials on voter roll revision work in Uttar Pradesh without its approval
The Election Commission of India has issued directions to impose a ban on the transfer of officials associated with the Special Summary Revision (SSR) programme of the electoral rolls of assembly constituencies based on the qualifying date of January 1, 2027.
Amid Special Intesive Revision, about 20 Chief Election Officers transferred in 20 Months
The Election Commission of India experienced extensive administrative changes with the transfer of chief electoral officers between 2025 and 2026. Nearly 20 CEOs were replaced, marking the highest transfer rate in a short period. Most transferred officials served less than two years in their positions, deviating from the customary tenure of three years. Concurrently, senior officials at the ECI, such as deputy election commissioners, also saw notable reshuffling.
Teachers of aided/unaided private bodies can be appointed for Census duties: Registrar General of India
The Census Rules of 1990 have been amended by the Centre to allow private teachers as enumerators. This amendment follows a legal challenge regarding the use of private school staff for this duty. The 2027 Census will occur in two phases, with a substantial budget approved for its execution. Enumeration in certain states will begin from December 1, 2026, due to upcoming elections.
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ECI finally restores special summary revision of electoral rolls for Gen Z voters
Election Commission of India has announced the resumption of the special summary revision of electoral rolls. This decision affects 17 states and Union Territories and ensures new voter registrations. Integrated draft electoral rolls will be published on November 12, allowing time for claims and objections. Final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on January 4, 2027, aligning with upcoming assembly polls.
Democracy can't be held hostage to opposition's comfort, SIR necessary for fair polls: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
Referring to an open letter by 124 former IAS, IFS and allied service officers defending the Election Commission's institutional integrity, Gupta backed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), saying free and fair polls demand accurate voter rolls, transparent procedures and strong institutions.
Rahul Gandhi says President Murmu sought proof of ‘election chori’ after INDIA bloc submits memorandum against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, met President Droupadi Murmu regarding electoral concerns. They demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged vote theft. The President requested evidence to support their claims about electoral irregularities. Following the meeting, Kharge indicated the opposition is compiling evidence for future submissions. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticized the government's approach towards their protests and marches.
Modi must have done something right to win for 25 years: Abdullah
During a recent media interaction in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah commended Narendra Modi for his extensive 25-year journey in public service. He pointed out Modi's consistent electoral victories across different levels, calling such a sustained success extraordinary. This recognition sheds light on the profound political sway Modi holds in the Indian political landscape.
Congress seeks to rebuild UP base with Brahmin-Muslim-Dalit-EBC social coalition
Ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, Congress is restructuring its leadership to create a diverse coalition. Aradhana Mishra has been appointed as state president while Imran Masood serves as working president. Congress has welcomed several leaders from different communities to strengthen its base in the state. Ongoing discussions with potential allies indicate a strategic approach to upcoming elections.
'EC lost its credibility': Pinarayi Vijayan says CEC turning 'personal views into decisions', warns protests will intensify
"The Election Commission has lost its credibility. The Commission is being questioned in a manner never seen before. The information that has come out is not befitting a democracy. The Chief Election Commissioner is turning his personal views into decisions and adopting one-sided positions. Protests against this will intensify," Vijayan said.
SP had claimed voter list rigging all along; strict action should be taken against officials: Dimple Yadav on SIR row
Dimple Yadav from the Samajwadi Party has raised issues regarding alleged discrepancies in the voter lists. Allegations suggest that 13 crore voters have been deleted, raising concerns over electoral transparency and integrity. Opposition parties, including Congress, demand accountability from the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner. Union Minister Chirag Paswan has stated that the Election Commission must address these allegations to maintain public trust.
"Resign and face action": Oppn escalates attack on CEC over EC dissent report; BJP calls it "false allegations"
A significant political clash is brewing between the BJP and various opposition factions concerning the Election Commission of India. Accusations of turmoil within the Commission are leading to rising calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition groups, notably Congress and Samajwadi Party, allege that the Commission is sabotaging democratic integrity.
Congress protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar spread across India; Gaurav Gogoi detained, tear gas fired in Manipur
Congress workers staged protests across India on Friday demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, a day after Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of electoral wrongdoing. Demonstrations were held in Jammu and Kashmir, Guwahati, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Lucknow, while Delhi saw security deployment ahead of Congress and Youth Congress marches.
Gyanesh Kumar CEC controversy: Oppn cries ‘act of treason’, arrest calls as alleged 14 internal objections within EC ignite SIR row
Opposition attacks on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar escalated following allegations of electoral manipulation and irregularities. Congress leaders called for criminal prosecution and demanded the resignation of the CEC amid serious accusations. The Election Commission defended its internal decision-making processes amid reports of dissent from other commissioners. Various political leaders from different parties echoed similar demands for investigation and reforms in the electoral process.
J&K Assembly session: Opposition to target Omar Abdullah govt over governance, reservation and statehood
The autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly kicks off on Monday, with opposition members set to challenge the government's record on various issues. Key topics include job outsourcing, corruption in public services, and concerns over unemployment and the regularization of daily wage workers. In response, the ruling National Conference is preparing strategies to meet the public's demands and concerns.
Supreme Court seeks report on 25 unnatural deaths in Manipur relief camps questions state action
The Supreme Court has directed the Manipur Chief Secretary to provide details on relief camp deaths. Unnatural deaths in camps, including one with alleged sexual assault, are a serious concern. The court questioned the state's investigation and compensation for these unfortunate incidents. It also sought information on preventive measures taken by authorities to avoid such deaths. The Supreme Court is monitoring investigations into cases arising from the 2023 ethnic violence.
3 years on, INDIA allies navigate differences without coordination panel
The INDIA bloc's coordination committee has vanished, impacting its electoral strategy. Recent efforts to revive national-level meetings have faced delays and cancellations. Party relationships have fractured, creating difficulties for upcoming state elections. While some state alliances succeeded, others have shown significant strains and breakdowns.
AAP, GFP announce alliance for 2027 Goa assembly polls
The Aam Aadmi Party and Goa Forward Party announced their 'Goa First' alliance for 2027. This new coalition aims to provide voters a non-BJP, non-Congress alternative. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal expressed confidence in forming the next government. He also stated the party learned lessons from Rajya Sabha MP defections. The alliance remains open to other like-minded political forces in Goa.
Census 2027: RGI asks officials to focus on sensitive questions during enumerator training
Census 2027 enumerator training will emphasize sensitive questions on religion and caste. Population enumeration in Goa and Uttar Pradesh starts December 1, 2026. Training for most states concludes by January 15, 2027, with nationwide completion by March. Over 34 lakh enumerators will participate in this massive headcount exercise. The government has approved Rs 11,718 crore for the census.
Census: Population enumeration in 4 poll-bound states from Dec 1, 2026 to Jan 4, 2027
Population enumeration for Census 2027 will occur in Goa and Uttar Pradesh. Punjab and parts of Uttarakhand will also participate in this exercise. Citizens can opt for self-enumeration before the main enumeration begins. This census aims to collect demographic and economic data from households. The exercise was postponed from 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Human rights panel faults Pakistan's response to PoJK unrest; warns of excessive force, shrinking civic space
Growing distrust and expression curbs fueled unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. State authorities responded confrontationally, allegedly using disproportionate force against protesters. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan noted conflicting accounts of the violence. Concerns remain over the wider electoral environment due to security and communication restrictions. An independent investigation into deaths and injuries has been called for by the commission.
Jammu and Kashmir elections: When and where to watch exit polls
Jammu and Kashmir held its first key assembly elections in a decade, concluding peacefully over three phases. Voter turnout was 63.45%, with varying percentages across regions. Official vote counting is set for October 8, while exit polls will be published on October 5.
EC notifies 3rd phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections
The Election Commission of India has issued a notification for the final phase of Legislative Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Polling will be held on October 1 across 40 constituencies in Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts. The last date for filing nominations is September 12.
'Supporting terrorism, separatism': Uttarakhand CM Dhami slams Congress for pre-poll tie-up with NC for Jammu-Kashmir polls
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami criticized Congress for allying with the National Conference for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, accusing them of supporting terrorism and separatism. He questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on their stance regarding a separate flag and Pakistan dialogue.
J&K polls: BJP to go solo in Jammu, eyes independents in Kashmir
BJP intends to run independently in Jammu and may partner with independents in Kashmir Valley for upcoming elections. Senior leaders highlighted post-Article 370 developments and rights gains. The elections, first since Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory, will feature new candidates. Polling is set for three phases beginning September 18.
Come September, first assembly poll for Jammu & Kashmir as UT
The Election Commission set the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir for September 18, 25, and October 1. The elections follow the abrogation of Article 370 and the recent delimitation of constituencies. Haryana polls align with Jammu and Kashmir's final election phase, and vote counting is slated for October 4.
Committed to conducting polls in J-K at earliest: CEC Rajiv Kumar
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar assured that elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held as soon as possible, despite potential disruptions. During a three-day visit to assess preparations, Kumar noted strong support from local parties for the polls. The Supreme Court has mandated that elections conclude by September 30, 2024.
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