LADAKH ELECTIONS
Ladakh announces December 4 council polls amid shutdown
Ladakh's State Election Commission has announced December 4 as the polling date for all eight LAHDCs, with counting scheduled for December 8. The announcement comes amid protests and shutdowns in Kargil and Sankoo, with the Apex Body Leh opposing winter elections and demanding a review of the delimitation exercise.
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.
We will see India becoming major exporter of goods and services to China: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised India's willingness to engage with Chinese suppliers. He highlighted the importance of fair play and judicial processes regarding pricing discrepancies. India aims to enhance exports to China and the ASEAN region over the coming years. Recent trade data shows a significant increase in India-China bilateral trade. The Indian government is also addressing concerns related to China's export controls on key machinery.
Do not release provisional census data to press: RGI to states and UTs
The Registrar General of India has announced that Census 2027 data will not be made public, emphasizing the confidentiality guaranteed by the Census Act of 1948. This census is notably being conducted digitally, allowing for swift data submission. The process comprises two main phases: the initial house listing followed by the actual population count. The government has pledged a substantial financial investment for this extensive headcount endeavor.
"Change of government through democratic means is what India wants": Kapil Sibal hits back at Bhagwat's 'regime change' remarks
Kapil Sibal addressed a press conference criticizing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's Vijayadashami address concerning regime change. He argued that calls for change in India are democratic and peaceful unlike unrest abroad. Sibal accused the government of stifling dissent and manipulating legal processes against opposition leaders. Additionally, he raised concerns about foreign interference and territorial integrity in Arunachal Pradesh.
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Ladakh CEO announces municipal polls in Leh, Kargil on November 21
Elections for the municipal committees of Leh and Kargil will take place on November 21. These elections involve a total of 38 wards, comprising 21 in Leh and 17 in Kargil. The municipal elections are essential as both committees have completed their terms. The last elections held in Ladakh were in 2018, prior to its division from Jammu and Kashmir.
Ladakh SEC puts draft delimitation plan in public, seeks feedback
On October 21, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena notified 100 constituencies for the eight LAHDCs, nearly doubling the existing strength of 52 seats. Under the new structure notified through the LAHDC (Amendment) Regulation, 2026, Leh will have 22 constituencies, Kargil 21, Sankoo 13, Changthang 10, Nubra, Sham and Zanskar nine each, and Drass seven.
Sonam Wangchuk accuses Centre of going back on May understanding, reiterates demand for Ladakh legislature
The May 22 meeting had raised hopes of a democratic framework for Ladakh, Wangchuk said. The representatives had initially sought statehood but, after being told that the region lacked the resources for it, proposed a Union Territory with a legislature and constitutional safeguards, he added.
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.
Amit Shah hails security personnel for violence-free Bengal polls
Union home minister Amit Shah confirmed that peace has been established in Kashmir, the Northeast, and Naxal-affected areas. He highlighted the recent West Bengal elections where security personnel prevented any electoral violence. Shah set a target for India to become drugs-free by December 31, 2029. He also noted the sacrifices of martyred security personnel in the fight against Naxalism.
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil chief to seek dissolution, likely to join BJP
Akhoon, an NC leader, rebelled against the party earlier this year when he refused to step down as chief executive councillor after completing two and a half years in favour of the alliance partner Congress, as per a power-sharing arrangement. This term of the LAHDC (Kargil) will end in October 2028.
Amending Article 371 to give safeguards, says Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra
Ladakhi leaders are engaged in negotiations with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding constitutional safeguards. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra stated that Article 371 is being amended to address regional demands. He highlighted that there are major gaps in the current discussions, particularly concerning the elected legislature's powers. Kundra emphasized the importance of patience and mutual trust in moving forward.
Govt brings regulation to revise structure, electoral procedure of Ladakh Hill Development Councils
The Centre has amended the legal and administrative framework governing Ladakh's Autonomous Hill Development Councils to align it with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The changes allow the Ladakh administration to set elected seats between seven and 24, nominate up to four members, and extend council terms if elections are impracticable.
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.
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.
EC announces voter roll revision in 17 states: What SSR means, how it differs from SIR
The Election Commission is conducting a Special Summary Revision to update electoral rolls in 17 states and Union territories. January 1, 2027, has been designated as the qualifying date for eligible voters. The revision is vital for including new voters and correcting existing entries. This initiative is particularly focused on young and first-time voters. States like Uttar Pradesh and Goa are among those preparing for upcoming elections.
SIR: Sikkim, Meghalaya, Ladakh step up voter enrolment drives for missing names
Election authorities are conducting special enrolment drives across various regions to help eligible voters register. These registration efforts are intended for individuals whose names are missing from the electoral rolls. Citizens are encouraged to check their names and file applications as needed. Voters can seek assistance from Booth Level Officers or designated helpdesks during specific periods. The administration aims to ensure all eligible voters are included in the electoral rolls.
Omar Abdullah and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq slam J&K Waqf Board move to 'standardise' Friday sermons
Omar Abdullah and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have condemned the J&K Waqf Board's plan for uniform Friday sermon topics. Critics argue that this initiative represents undue interference in Muslim religious practices and violates freedom of expression. Mehbooba Mufti raised concerns about the implications for religious diversity and autonomy across India. Inam un Nabi asserted that mosques should not serve as platforms for controlled messaging.
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.
Pakistan's 'so-called' civilian governments serve at mercy of their Army: India at UN
India rejected Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN General Assembly, accusing Islamabad's “so-called” civilian governments of serving at the Army's mercy. India also criticised Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism, cited its 2024 elections in Jammu and Kashmir and urged Islamabad to address its domestic and economic challenges.
'Could no longer defend the indefensible': Priyanka Kakkar quits AAP, joins Congress
Priyanka Kakkar has resigned from Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Congress party during an event. She expressed her inability to continue defending AAP's actions and leadership. Along with her, former MLA Shyam Sundar Sharma and Rajat Rakesh Tandon also joined Congress. Kakkar praised Rahul Gandhi for his authenticity and commitment to issues affecting the public. The Congress party welcomed the new members, emphasizing their impact on upcoming elections.
16 states await SSR, Hegde case, Attorney General opinion at centre of ECI rift
Both Election Commissioners -- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi -- are learnt to have interpreted that the AG opinion and Hegde case inputs favoured resuming the decades-old convention of annual SSR, which was paused after 2024, skipped in 2025 and is yet to be announced in 2026, already late given the usual announcement timeline of May-July.
Election Commission rolls back SIR add-on in Form 6 for new voters in states where revision is complete
The Election Commission has withdrawn the additional SIR-related declaration from Form 6 in states where SIR is completed. This decision followed the September 26 meeting among Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The declaration requirement will only apply during the Special Intensive Revision period moving forward. Sandhu and Joshi had raised multiple objections regarding modifications to the Form 6 process.
Sonam Wangchuk backs Oct 2 CJP protest against CEC, may not attend physically
Sonam Wangchuk expressed his support for the Cockroach Janta Party's upcoming protest on October 2. He highlighted the importance of electoral accountability in maintaining democracy and fulfilling governmental promises. Wangchuk mentioned the specific commitment made to Ladakh regarding the Sixth Schedule.
Sonam Wangchuk leads march in Leh
Sonam Wangchuk led a march in Leh alongside civil society members, commemorating the anniversary of four protest deaths. Similar protests occurred in Kargil, where hundreds expressed their demands for statehood and safeguards. Participants are set to gather in Leh for a significant event to honor the deceased and discuss ongoing governmental dialogue.
India rejects OIC remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, questions its credibility
India has dismissed the references made to the country in the OIC's joint communique about Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the OIC has no authority to comment on India's internal matters. India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country. Additionally, the MEA criticized Pakistan for promoting fabricated narratives regarding the region.
Ladakh working on new constitutional safeguard framework under Article 371: Chief secretary Ashish Kundra
Ladakh is developing new constitutional safeguards under Article 371 for its unique needs. A draft framework will be discussed with the Ministry of Home Affairs soon. This protection aims to cover land, employment, culture, and natural resources. Discussions also included direct elections for a proposed UT-level body.
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