Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the Congress and the National Conference announced a pre-poll alliance on Thursday and said that seat-sharing talks are currently underway.
Reacting to Leader of Opposition of Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's statement to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday said that the Congress leader is "frustrated and demoralised."
Following the announcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election schedule, Jammu and Kashmir opposition leaders of the PDP and National Conference welcomed the Election Commission's decision and hoped that the assembly polls would be conducted in a "free and fair" manner.
"Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases, with voting on September 18th, September 25th, and October 1st. Counting of votes on October 4," Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar said.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Friday said that the Election Commission is "committed" to conducting polls in Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest, adding that the people of J-K will give a befitting response to "disruptive forces."
The Baramulla parliamentary constituency of Jammu and Kashmir recorded a voter turnout of 55.79 per cent in the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Budgam as of the latest data issued by the Election Commission of India on Monday.