On September 24, 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expelled Shiv Dev Singh, a party leader contesting as an independent candidate against the official BJP nominee for the Jammu North assembly constituency. The expulsion was announced by working president Satpal Sharma and General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Kaul, following a recommendation from the disciplinary committee led by Sunil Sethi. This decision underscores the party’s strict stance on maintaining party unity and discipline during the ongoing assembly elections.
As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for the second phase of assembly polls scheduled for September 25, security measures have been significantly enhanced, particularly in the Rajouri district. Over 13,000 polling staff are being deployed across approximately 3,500 polling stations to ensure a smooth electoral process. Security personnel, including police and paramilitary forces, are conducting vehicle checks and implementing a multi-tier security arrangement to create a safe environment for voters.
This upcoming phase will cover 26 assembly seats across six districts, including notable constituencies such as Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, and Lal Chowk. Key candidates in this election include former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, who is contesting from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats. Additionally, BJP chief Ravinder Raina is running from Nowshera, while Tariq Hamid Karra leads for the Congress from Central Shalteng.
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being conducted in three phases:
- Phase 1: September 18 (24 constituencies)
- Phase 2: September 25 (26 constituencies)
- Phase 3: October 1 (40 constituencies)
Vote counting will take place on October 8. The elections are particularly significant as they mark the first since the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.