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.
In 2022, athletes claimed they were asked to wind up training early at Thyagraj Stadium so that the IAS couple could walk their dog. Then came the memes and public outrage.
Instead of buying more Mirages outright in early 2000s, the requirement was tweaked in favour of a medium-weight, multi-role fighter with Mirage-like performance.
Pakistan not only has zero chance of catching up with India in most areas, but will inevitably see the gap rising. Its leaders will offer its people the same snake oil in different bottles.
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