Azad—who has been uncharacteristically indecisive these past 2 years—nearly abandoned DPAP campaign last month citing ill health, after which several candidates pulled out.
Unlike Gujjar-Bakarwals, who are primarily Muslims, Paharis are made up mostly of upper caste Hindus. In granting ST status, BJP alienated a large section of pastoral community.
Hafiz Mohammad Sikander Malik, former district president of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir, is contesting from Bandipora as an Independent. Held in 2019, he faces UAPA charges.
As election begins in Union Territory, former CM says development has come to a standstill in the region, alleges that ‘BJP and RSS are enemies of the country, not J&K alone’.
Waheed Para, who is contesting the Pulwama seat, says the 2014 PDP-BJP alliance was an act of conflict resolution and that his party wants to be part of the INDIA bloc post-results.
In Part-1 of the J&K Despatch series—on 1st assembly polls being held in the UT in 10 yrs—ThePrint looks at Gujjar-Bakarwal nomads & why they clash with authorities frequently.
Omar Abdullah being a key rival to the Indian PM in Kashmir also makes international news, as do the demonstrations taking place in Kenya against Adani Group.
The banned organisation has entered electoral scene by supporting 10 Independents, who are drawing large crowds at rallies. Govt officials say this is a tactic to have the ban lifted.
Daughter of ex J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija says she isn't trying to carry the 'mantle forward' but to 'revive' People’s Democratic Party. She'll fight from family's home turf Bijbehara.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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