The Chhattisgarh

Tag: PDP

  • Mehbooba Mufti Warns Govt Against Pressuring Non-Local Laborers To Leave Kashmir |

    PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the J-K administration is pressuring non-local labourers to leave the region following the recent terrorist attack in Sonamarg, which claimed seven lives. Mufti also called for a more measured response, warning that hasty decisions could damage Kashmir’s social and economic stability and tarnish the region’s image on a national level.

    In her social media post, Mufti stressed that expelling non-locals could send a dangerous signal to the rest of the country, undermining the recent peaceful elections held in the Union Territory. She pointed out the risk of this move provoking retaliatory sentiments in other states where Kashmiri workers and students reside, potentially putting their safety at risk.

    “Kashmiris living outside the valley could face similar hostility if we force these workers to leave in such a manner. The situation needs to be handled with care,” Mufti said.

    She also emphasised the contributions of non-local labourers to the region’s economy, especially in sectors like construction, agriculture, and service industries, warning that their sudden departure could lead to severe labour shortages and halt critical projects.

    The former chief minister called on current political leaders, including Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure that labourers are given enough time to return home safely rather than being abruptly forced out.

    The Jammu and Kashmir Police quickly responded to Mehbooba Mufti, quoting IGP Kashmir and said, “Social media reports claiming that the local administration has asked non-local workers to leave the valley are false. The Jammu and Kashmir Police is committed to ensuring security and fostering a safe environment for all individuals to pursue their livelihoods without fear or intimidation. The general public is advised not to pay heed to such false information on social media platforms.”

    Although security has been beefed up across the Kashmir Valley after the Gagangeer attack, extra deployments can be seen on the roads in Kashmir.

  • ‘Prime Minister Should Speak Up…,’ Mehbooba Mufti Slams Modi Over Kanwar Yatra Order |

    The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered shopkeepers en route of the  Kavad Yatra to display their names on shop boards. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti questions PM Modi’s silence on the UP administration’s order regarding the Kavad Yatra, stating it is unconstitutional and an example of the fear that they have to change the constitution.

    Prime Minister should clarify whether he endorses this or not. Mufti said,  “It is clear that BJP wants to destroy the constitution which gives an individual every open right.”

    “They dropped from 350 to 240 seats in recent Lok Sabha polls but still not mending their ways. This serves as a warning to the voters, showing how they aim to dismantle the country’s constitution,” PDP Chief said.

    Mehbooba warned the people of the country and said, “They start with Muslims, then Dalits and eventually target other minorities as well. The Uttar Pradesh government’s order is unconstitutional.”

    “Prime Minister should speak up about how he is witnessing these situations in the country and clarify whether he endorses the order or not,” she said. 

    On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes should display the name and identity of the owner to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrim’s faith.
     
    Mehbooba Mufti was speaking on the joining of the former People’s Conference leader into the PDP, who rejoined today after 3 years.

  • ‘Will Get Back What Was Snatched From Us After 2019…’: Mehbooba Mufti In Pahalgam |

    Pahalgam: The ongoing electoral battle transcends mere developmental issues; the priority is safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s core identity and interests, stated Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during a series of roadshows across various hamlets of South Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Saturday. Mehbooba rallied supporters, emphasizing that the ongoing electoral battle focuses on safeguarding the core identity and interests of Jammu and Kashmir, rather than just developmental issues. She expressed the intention to reclaim the plundered rights of Jammu and Kashmir since 5th August 2019.

    Mehbooba underscored the significance of unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to rise above partisan politics and prioritize the greater cause. She stated that the PDP is the protector of people’s interests and, if voted into power, will take the people’s voices to parliament.

    Addressing the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba remarked, “The current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a systematic assault on our rights and resources.” She highlighted issues such as skyrocketing electricity bills and the denial of employment opportunities for educated youth, asserting that the people are bearing the brunt of these injustices.

    Mehbooba alleged, “Our lands are being taken away from us, our resources and jobs are being bartered to outsiders. Our people are being turned into bonded laborers with no identity and no say,” while addressing a public rally.

    She further pledged to fight to reverse the losses incurred since 5th August 2019, promising a resurgence of rights and dignity for the people of Kashmir.

    Mehbooba assured, “I promise you that we will get back whatever was snatched away from us post 5th August 2019,” and asked people to remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity. “We must not lose hope, for history has shown that change is possible even in the darkest of times,” concluded Mufti.

  • J&K Assembly Polls Soon After Lok Sabha Elections: CEC Rajiv Kumar |

    NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on Saturday said that assembly elections in J&K will be held soon. CEC Rajiv Kumar, while addressing a press conference, stated that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held soon after the Lok Sabha polls.

    Speaking to reporters, CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed the issue of holding simultaneous central and state elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Kumar cited security concerns as a primary obstacle, leading the poll panel to deem it unfeasible at this time. However, he emphasized the panel’s dedication to conducting elections in the region, assuring that they would proceed following the Lok Sabha polls.

    Kumar highlighted the consensus among all parties in J&K regarding the desire for Assembly elections to coincide with parliamentary polls. Despite this shared sentiment, logistical challenges presented a significant hurdle. The sheer number of candidates expected in each Assembly segment, averaging between 10 to 12, would necessitate substantial security arrangements. Kumar explained that accommodating over 1,000 candidates would be impractical given the existing constraints.

    Nevertheless, Kumar reaffirmed the commitment of the poll panel to facilitate elections in J&K. He assured that once the current electoral processes conclude, the panel would prioritize holding polls in the region. This statement underscores the panel’s acknowledgement of the importance of democratic participation in J&K, despite the complexities involved in ensuring a secure and efficient electoral process.

    Importantly, the Lok Sabha elections in J&K will be held in five phases – April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 2. 

    The CEC also announced the dates for polls for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, which will be held in 7 phases starting from April 19. Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13, Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. Counting of votes will be held on 4 June.

    Lok Sabha Election 2024 Full Schedule

    Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13,
    Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.

    With the formal announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has also come into effect across the country. It may be noted that the tenure of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 16 and a new House must be constituted before that. In 2019, the general elections were held over seven phases from April 11 to May 19, with results declared four days later. The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats, in the 2019 general elections. 

    Total 96.8 Crore Voters Eligible To Cast Votes: CEC 

    A total of 96.8 crore voters will be eligible to cast their vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here to announce the dates of Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls to four states, Rajiv Kumar said there will be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff will be deployed to conduct the elections in the world’s largest democracy.

    “We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
    Kumar said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female.

    “We have 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters between the age group of 20-29 years,” he said, adding that 88.4 lakh voters are of PwD category, 2.18 lakhs are centenarians and 48,000 are transgenders.