Day: October 7, 2024

  • J&K polls: Cong-NC, BJP, PDP confident of win on eve of counting day

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    JAMMU OCT 07(PTI):- On the eve of the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, top leaders of the Congress-NC alliance, the BJP and the PDP have expressed confidence in forming the next government in the Union Territory.

    While the Congress and the National Conference, who formed a pre-poll alliance, claimed they would cross the magical figure of 46 in the 90-member House on their own, the BJP was relying on independent candidates and the PDP said no secular government was possible in Jammu and Kashmir without its support.

    Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina said his party would emerge as the single largest, securing 35 seats. With the help of independents and like-minded groups, the BJP would cross the majority mark, he said.

    “We are confident of winning 35 seats in Jammu and Kashmir and with the support of independents and like-minded groups, who will secure around 15 seats, we will surpass the majority mark,” Raina told reporters.

    “The people have voted for us, endorsing our vision for development and peace,” he added.

    Raina emphasised the “strong public support” for the BJP, citing the “large crowds” at the rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

    He predicted a “crushing” defeat for the Congress.

    However, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra said the party’s alliance with the NC had the edge.

    “People have voted for the NC-Congress alliance as we expected. We are confident of forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

    “From day one, we anticipated forming the government and this is also the expectation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

    The NC echoed the same sentiment. Its provincial president for the Jammu region Rattan Lal Gupta said the NC-Congress alliance will form the next government, regardless of exit poll predictions.

    “Most exit polls have given a clear mandate to the NC-Congress alliance with over 53 seats. The alliance is expected to win 20 to 24 seats in the Jammu region,” Gupta said.

    Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has asserted that the next government in Jammu and Kashmir will be secular and not without her party’s support.

    “The government will be secular… without the PDP’s support, no government will be formed in Jammu and Kashmir. There will never be a BJP government in the region,” she asserted.

    Heavy security arrangements have been put in place at all 20 counting centres and district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir for Tuesday’s vote count. This was the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.(PTI)

  • Legal experts differ on J-K LG’s power to nominate five MLAs at time of govt formation

    Legal experts differ on J-K LG’s power to nominate five MLAs at time of govt formation

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    NEW DELHI OCT 07:- Legal experts have divergent views on whether Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor can nominate five MLAs at the time of government formation or at a later stage on the aid and advice of the council of ministers.

    Jammu and Kashmir has 90 assembly seats for which elections were held in three phases and poll results are scheduled to be declared on Tuesday.

    The five members to be nominated by the LG will take the effective strength of the assembly to 95, where 48 would be the majority mark.

    The LG’s power to nominate these five MLAs assumes significance in wake of the exit polls predicting a hung assembly in the Union territory and a vexatious question arises whether nominated MLAs will have a role in deciding the majority in the House.

    On being asked about the LG’s power to nominate five members and whether it can be exercised without the aid and advice of the council of ministers, former judge of Delhi High Court Justice (retd) S N Dhingra said one has to wait for the actual results of the election and the issue at this stage is premature.

    “We can wait for the actual results as this question is dependent on the outcome,” Justice Dhingra told PTI.

    On the issue, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan said the Centre should not be interfering in the political process in the UT as such actions bury the functioning of the elected governments.

    Supreme Court advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey referred to the 2018 judgement of the apex court which had upheld the Centre’s decision to nominate three members to Puducherry Assembly by the then LG Kiran Bedi.

    He, however, said the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, which was amended in 2023, was “unclear” over the issue whether the nominated MLAs will have a role in the government formation.

    In response to a question whether the power of Jammu and Kashmir’s LG to nominate five MLAs has to be guided by the aid and advice of the council of ministers, senior advocate Sankaranarayanan said this was answered by the top court in the context of Puducherry being a UT and property of the Union.

    “As far as Kashmir is concerned, once the Supreme Court has decided to accept the solicitor general’s statement that it will be reverted to full statehood, this question cannot apply. It was conceded that the conversion of a state to a Union Territory is impermissible, and so Kashmir cannot be likened to Puducherry,” he said.

    “In any event, it is about time that this kind of political interference by the Centre with the functioning of elected governments is given a proper burial. We have seen how administration in Delhi and Puducherry has come to a standstill, seriously affecting the rights of citizens,” the senior lawyer said.

    Referring to the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act and Article 239A of the Constitution, Supreme Court advocate Dubey said the Act provides for nomination of five members — two women, two from migrant community and one from POJK refugees – to state assembly.

    “But it is ‘unclear/silent’ on the issue of nominated members’ voting rights during ‘government formation or vote of no confidence’,” he said, adding, the provision came when there was no assembly existing in the UT.

    Referring to the 2018 verdict in the Puducherry case, he said it was held that the Union government is not required to consult the state for nominating members to the assembly and the nominated members have the same right to vote as the elected members.

    The Congress, the National Conference and the PDP have opposed the nomination of the five members before government formation in J&K.

    In August 2019, Article 370 — which gave J&K special status — was revoked and the state was divided into two UTs.

    The J&K Assembly is modelled on the Puducherry Assembly where three nominated members function at par with elected MLAs and have voting rights.–(PTI)

  • Comprehensive training Session for Counting Supervisors, Assistants ahead of Counting Day held at GDC Rajouri

    Comprehensive training Session for Counting Supervisors, Assistants ahead of Counting Day held at GDC Rajouri

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI,OCT O7:-A comprehensive training session was held today at GDC Rajouri for the appointed Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants in preparation for the counting day scheduled on October 8, 2024.

    The District Election Officer Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, joined the training session to provide valuable guidance to the trainees. He emphasized the importance of accuracy, transparency, and strict adherence to the Election Commission of India’s protocols during the counting process.

    A total of 234 employees designated for Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) counting participated in the training, along with around 150 employees who were instructed on the management of postal ballots.

    The training session was led by the District Nodal Officer (Training), Dr. Naseem Ahmad, and his team of experts. During the session, participants were thoroughly briefed on the detailed procedures, responsibilities, and technical aspects of the counting process.

    The training was well-received by the attendees, who expressed their readiness and commitment to carrying out their responsibilities on counting day.

  • ADC reviews Law and Order management ahead of Counting Day in Rajouri

    ADC reviews Law and Order management ahead of Counting Day in Rajouri

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI,OCT 07:-On the directions of the District Election Officer (DEO) Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, a comprehensive review meeting regarding the management of law and order for the upcoming counting day was convened today at Dak Bungalow, Rajouri.

    The meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rajouri, Rajiv Khajuria which was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajouri Bikram Kumar, all Executive Magistrates along with their police counterparts.

    The primary focus of the meeting was to ensure a robust plan for maintaining peace and order during the counting of votes for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly 2024.
    ADC Rajiv Khajuria, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the critical role of Executive Magistrates and their respective police teams in ensuring the smooth conduct of counting day activities.

    ASP Bikram Kumar further elaborated on the security arrangements, highlighting the need for strict vigilance and proactive measures. He also reviewed the security arrangements at counting centers and surrounding areas, stressing the need for additional security personnel at vulnerable points.

    He further emphasized strict enforcement of Section 164 of BNSS, 2023 prohibiting the assembly of more than five people near the counting centers, to prevent any gathering that could disrupt the process.

    All Executive Magistrates were directed to be present at their designated stations along with their police counterparts throughout the counting process.

    Special emphasis was laid on maintaining law and order around the counting centers and ensuring that no untoward incident occurs.

    The entry and exit of authorized personnel within the counting centers will be closely monitored. All officials were directed to ensure that only individuals with valid passes are allowed inside the premises.

    Concluding the meeting, ADC Rajiv Khajuria and ASP Bikram Kumar expressed confidence that with meticulous planning and cooperation between the magistrates and police officers, the counting day proceedings would be conducted without any disruption.

  • 5 members to be nominated by LG to JK Assembly may play crucial role in govt formation

    5 members to be nominated by LG to JK Assembly may play crucial role in govt formation

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    JAMMU OCT 07(PTI) :–Five persons to be nominated by the lieutenant governor as members of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly may play a crucial role in the formation of the next government in the union territory, sources said on Monday.

    The Congress, National Conference and the PDP have opposed the nomination of the five members before government formation, and threatened to move the Supreme Court.

    In August 2019, Article 370 — which gave Jammu and Kashmir special status — was revoked and the state was divided into two union territories.

    According to section 15 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, “Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (3) of section 14, the Lieutenant Governor of the successor Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir may nominate two members to the Legislative Assembly to give representation to women, if in his opinion, women are not adequately represented in the Legislative Assembly”.

    The Act was amended in 2023.

    The amendment says: “After section 15 of the principal Act, the following sections shall be inserted, namely: 15A. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3) of section 14, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir may nominate not more than two members, one of whom shall be a woman, from the community of Kashmiri Migrants, to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly”.

    It also says, “15B. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3) of section 14, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir may nominate one member from displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.”

    These five nominated members will have the same powers and voting rights as other MLAs.

    The Congress has already expressed it strong opposition to the nomination of five MLAs before the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, labelling any such move as an assault on democracy and the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

    “We oppose the nomination of five MLAs by the LG before the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir. Any such move is an assault on democracy, the people’s mandate, and the fundamental principles of the Constitution,” Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) senior vice president and chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said on Friday.

    National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said his party would go to the Supreme Court if the BJP-led Centre went ahead to give powers to the LG for nominating the five members to the assembly.

    “The LG should first of all stay way from this process as a government is being formed. It is for the government to nominate people and send it (nominations) to the LG. That is the normal procedure.

    “What they want to do, I do not know. However, if they do it (give powers to LG), we will go to the Supreme Court. What is the point in making the government, if the Lord Sahib remains here? We have to fight against all this,” Abdullah said in Srinagar on Monday.

    PDP leader Iltija Mufti said giving power to the Lieutenant Governor to nominate five members to the assembly was a “brazen pre-result rigging” of the polls.

    “All of the five MLAs nominated by LG are BJP members or associated with the party. Brazen pre result rigging & shameful manipulation,” Iltija Mufti posted on X.

    The sources said that for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, five nominated members of the assembly may have a significant role in forming the new government.

    The LG is expected to nominate these members based on the advice of the Union Home Ministry, the sources said.

    If the five members are nominated before the formation of the government, the J&K assembly’s strength will be 95, increasing the majority threshold to 48 seats to form a government.

    The Jammu and Kashmir assembly is modelled on the Puducherry assembly where three nominated members function at par with elected MLAs and have voting rights.

    Former Puducherry LG Kiran Bedi’s decision to nominate two members to the UT assembly without consulting the then Congress-led government was challenged in Madras High Court and later in the Supreme Court in 2017-2018.

    The Puducherry government argued that the LG ought to have consulted the chief minister before nominating the MLAs but the top court upheld it and found no illegality in the LG nominating the member.(PTI)

  • IAF celebrates 92 nd Anniversary; Stunning air show enthral 1.5 million spectators at Chennai.

    IAF celebrates 92 nd Anniversary; Stunning air show enthral 1.5 million spectators at Chennai.

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    SHYAM SOOD 

    RAJOURI OCT 06:-As the Indian Air Force approaches its 92nd Anniversary on Sunday (October 6), a breathtaking air show captivated a huge audience at Marina Beach in Chennai.

    The IAF authorities claimed that the audience is likely to cross an estimated figure of 15 lakhs at one of the world’s longest beaches, Marina Beach, Chennai.
    The Chief Guest for the event was MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was the Chief Guest on this occasion while Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; Chief of the Air Staff, along with senior officers from the Defence Forces and dignitaries from both state and central governments, graced this iconic occasion.
    The theme for 2024 celebration ‘Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar’ (Potent, Powerful, Self-reliant) was vividly reflected in the IAF’s display of strength and skill. Demonstrating unmatched flying prowess, IAF aviators filled the Chennai skies with spectacular aerial manoeuvres.
    The air show showcased the indomitable strength and spirit of the Indian Air Force, resonating with its motto, “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
    The event highlighted the IAF’s transformative journey towards becoming a modern and formidable force.
    It featured an array of aircraft, from cutting-edge fighter jets to transport planes and helicopters.
    “The highlights included the flypast of indigenous projects: Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), symbolizing the nation’s path towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance),” said IAF.
    The audience was awestruck by the low-level aerobatics of the Sukhoi-30 MKI, exemplifying the highest level of professionalism of IAF pilots.
    The grand finale featured awe-inspiring performances by the Suryakiran and Sarang Aerobatic Teams, leaving the audience mesmerized.
    The air show was not only a display of aerial mastery but also a powerful reminder of India’s capability, empowerment, and unwavering commitment to self-reliance.

  • Army recovered IEDs, explosive & assorted rounds at Jhullas in Poonch. Army foils Pakistan’s attempt to disturb ongoing election process.

    Army recovered IEDs, explosive & assorted rounds at Jhullas in Poonch. Army foils Pakistan’s attempt to disturb ongoing election process.

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    SHYAM SOOD 

    RAJOURI, OCT 06:-Alert troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) reportedly have recovered a consignment of ready to use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), explosives, more than 60 rounds of AK rifle and pistol from a bag near Line of Control in Poonch district on Sunday.
    Sources said that the consignment was sent from across the Line of Control (LoC) with an aim to disturb the peacefully held Assembly Elections in the state and counting of votes on October 8.
    Army has informed the police about the recovery of IEDs, explosives and accordingly a FIR will be registered at Poonch police station for further investigation.
    Sources also said that the IEDs and explosives will be destroyed by the Bomb Disposal squad of the Indian Army.
    The RR unit deployed in Jhullas area of Poonch district through advanced surveillance equipment noticed suspicious movement and accordingly a search was launched.
    The trails of the movement were found in the area and with the help of sniffer dog the troops traced a bag of the terrorists between the fence & LoC.
    The items recovered from the bag include assorted rounds of AK Rifle and 9 mm pistol, a remote controlled IED, one stove IED, explosive to make IEDs’, & one programmed time delay box (can detonate IED between 6 hours to more than a week).
    On Saturday during a search of the area, the Army recovered two Chinese hand grenades in the Behra helmet of Jhullas area which were destroyed on the spot.