Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana Assembly Polls 2024 LIVE Updates: Jairam Ramesh Slams ‘Non-Biological PM’ Over Failure to Restore J&K Statehood

J&K, Haryana Assembly Elections Polls LIVE: Ranjit Singh Chautala and seven others were expelled from the BJP for six years on Sunday after announcing their candidacy as independents in the upcoming October 5 Assembly elections.

(Representative image)

Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 Live: Former Haryana minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and seven others were expelled from the BJP for six years on Sunday after announcing their candidacy as independents in the upcoming October 5 Assembly elections. Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli confirmed the expulsion, stating that it was enforced with immediate effect. 

In addition to Chautala, the BJP has expelled Sandeep Garg (Ladwa), Zile Ram Sharma (Assandh), Devender Kadian (Ganaur), Bachan Singh Arya (Safidon), Radha Ahlawat (Meham), Naveen Goel (Gurugram), and Kehar Singh Rawat (Hathin), all of whom are contesting the polls independently. 

The BJP's decision comes as Haryana prepares for its 90-member Assembly elections on October 5, with vote counting set for October 8. The party is aiming for a third consecutive term in power in the state. 

Meanwhile, Assembly elections are happening in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. On Friday, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah criticised the BJP, citing recent terror attacks in the previously peaceful Jammu region as evidence of the party's alleged failure. Abdullah asserted that the BJP should apologise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Omar Abdullah accused the BJP of giving a ‘clean chit’ to Pakistan by blaming the National Conference, Congress, and PDP for terrorism in the Union Territory. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be conducted in three phases. 

30 September 2024

09:53 IST

Assembly Polls 2024 Live: Video Shows Polling Parties Depart For Election

Polling parties in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district have set off for their designated polling booths, equipped with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), in preparation for the final phase of assembly elections. A total of 40 constituencies are scheduled to vote on October 1.

#WATCH | Polling parties leave for their respective polling booths with EVMs in Jammu & Kashmir's Kupwara ahead of the final and third phase of assembly elections.

40 constituencies will go to polls in the third phase tomorrow, October 1. pic.twitter.com/yqOLJBlRGY

— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2024

09:05 IST

J&K Assembly Polls Live: Pakistan is Isolated, Says Rajnath Singh 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Pakistan has now become isolated. He said, "Even Turkey, which used to support Pakistan, did not mention Kashmir at the UN General Assembly." He added that since his party came to power at the Centre, peace has returned to Jammu and Kashmir. "The business of terrorism won’t last much longer," Singh declared. Reiterating promises from the BJP’s election manifesto, Singh said, "As Defence Minister, I assure you that if Fakir Mohammad Khan (the BJP candidate) wins, more people from Gurez will be recruited into the Indian Army." 

Singh made these remarks while addressing an election rally in the Gurez constituency of Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir. 

08:21 IST

Haryana Polls Live Updates: Amit Shah Accuses Rahul Of Misunderstanding The Agniveer Scheme 

During a public gathering in Nangal Chaudhary, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Agniveer Scheme, countering criticisms from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. “These days Rahul Gandhi is in Haryana. He has claimed that the Agniveer Scheme will destroy (the lives of) our youths. I urge you not to believe him because he has not understood this scheme,” Shah stated reported PTI. He emphasized that the initiative aims to rejuvenate the armed forces by keeping them young, positioning it as a crucial component of the government's defense strategy as the 2024 Haryana elections approach. 

08:21 IST

Haryana Polls Live Updates: Amit Shah Accuses Rahul Of Misunderstanding The Agniveer Scheme 

During a public gathering in Nangal Chaudhary, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Agniveer Scheme, countering criticisms from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. “These days Rahul Gandhi is in Haryana. He has claimed that the Agniveer Scheme will destroy (the lives of) our youths. I urge you not to believe him because he has not understood this scheme,” Shah stated reported PTI. He emphasized that the initiative aims to rejuvenate the armed forces by keeping them young, positioning it as a crucial component of the government's defense strategy as the 2024 Haryana elections approach. 

08:19 IST

J&K, Haryana Polls LIVE: Jairan Ramesh Takes Dig At ‘Non-Biological PM’ 

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a sharp critique of the Prime Minister, questioned the government's commitment to restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. "Campaigning has now come to a close in Jammu and Kashmir. The non-biological Prime Minister has still not answered this most fundamental question: why has he failed to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir?" Ramesh said, addressing the issue during a campaign rally. His remarks have added fuel to the opposition's long-standing demand for statehood restoration, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled since the region's special status was revoked in 2019. 

07:56 IST

Assembly Polls Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi To Address Several Rallies In Haryana

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is set to campaign in Haryana from September 30 to October 3. He will address a public gathering at HUDA Ground in Naraingarh, Ambala at 10:30 AM, followed by the commencement of a Yatra at 11:30 AM. Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati will hold an election rally at the Anaaj Mandi ground in Karnal on September 30 in the afternoon.