As India approaches the assembly elections in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, the political landscape in these two diverse and strategically significant regions is poised for transformation. Haryana, a state with a robust agricultural base and evolving industrial sector, will be scrutinizing how its leaders address issues of economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir, with its complex geopolitical context and ongoing developmental challenges, will be evaluating candidates on their ability to foster stability, economic progress, and reconciliation. These elections promise to be a critical juncture in shaping the future of states, reflecting broader national trends and local aspirations. Voters will be tasked with deciding the direction their states will take amidst a backdrop of evolving national policies and regional dynamics.

Schedule for 2024 Haryana elections:

· Notification Date: 5th September 2024

· Last Date for Filing Nominations: 12th September 2024

· Scrutiny of Nominations: 13th September 2024

· Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: 16th September 2024

· Date of Poll: 1st October 2024

· Number of Constituencies: 90

· Date of Counting of Votes: 4th October 2024

Schedule for 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections:

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election will take place in three phases:

Phase I:

• Notification Date: August 20, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: August 27, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: August 28, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: August 30, 2024
• Date of Poll: September 18, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 24

Phase II:

• Notification Date: August 29, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: September 5, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: September 6, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: September 9, 2024
• Date of Poll: September 25, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 26

Phase III:

• Notification Date: September 5, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: September 12, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: September 13, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: September 17, 2024
• Date of Poll: October 1, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 40

Counting of Votes: October 4, 2024

Districts and Constituencies of Haryana State:

Phase wise constituencies for Jammu and Kashmir:

Political Parties of Haryana State:

Haryana Assembly elections in 2024, several political parties are expected to be prominent contenders. Here are some of the key parties:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The ruling party in Haryana, led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The BJP will likely focus on showcasing its achievements in governance and development.
• Indian National Congress (INC): A major national party aiming to regain influence in Haryana. The Congress will likely focus on criticizing the ruling BJP and promoting its own development agenda.
• Jannayak Janta Party (JJP): A regional party led by Dushyant Chautala. The JJP is part of the current coalition government and will likely highlight its contributions and achievements in the coalition.
• Indian National Lok Dal (INLD): A party with a strong regional base, led by Om Prakash Chautala. The INLD is working to rebuild its influence and will focus on its traditional voter base.
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Although a relatively newer player in Haryana, the AAP is expected to contest and focus on its governance model from Delhi as a benchmark.
• Other Regional Parties and Independents: Various smaller regional parties and independent candidates may also contest, influencing the dynamics in specific constituencies.

Political Parties of Jammu and Kashmir:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): As a prominent national party with a strong foothold in Jammu, the BJP emphasizes development, effective governance, and seamless integration with the rest of India. Their campaign is likely to focus on infrastructural advancements and national unity.
• National Conference (NC): A major regional force with deep roots in the Kashmir Valley, the NC’s platform centers on autonomy, addressing regional issues, and promoting socio-economic development. Their approach will resonate with voters seeking a more autonomous regional identity within the Indian federation.
• Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP): This significant regional party in Kashmir aims to balance development with political autonomy and social justice. Their strategy will likely highlight their track record and vision for a more equitable governance structure.
• Congress Party (INC): With a storied history in the region, the Congress Party’s campaign will stress inclusive governance, economic development, and social welfare. They seek to leverage their legacy and experience in addressing the diverse needs of the electorate.
• Apni Party: As a newer entrant formed in 2020, the Apni Party is focused on development and enhancing political representation for Jammu and Kashmir. Their fresh perspective and commitment to regional issues could attract voters seeking change.
• Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP): Known for its regional stance, the JKNPP will concentrate on issues specific to Jammu, advocating for local representation and addressing concerns unique to the region.
• Independent Candidates: A range of local leaders running independently will bring a focus on grassroots issues and personalized governance, offering alternatives to party-centric politics.
• Gupkar Alliance (PAGD): This coalition, comprising the NC, PDP, and other allies, is united in its push for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and greater autonomy. Their collective platform will present a strong challenge to the BJP’s vision of integration.

Current Hot Topics:

Zaffar Iqbal Manhas Resigns as Apni Party Vice President

Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, the Vice President of the Apni Party, has resigned from his position. His resignation is a significant development for the party, which was formed to address regional issues and offer an alternative political platform in Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP doesn’t back off:

In Haryana, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for a fiercely contested assembly election on October 1, where all 90 seats will be decided in a single phase. Facing a rejuvenated Congress party, the BJP is striving to maintain its hold amid a challenging political landscape. The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) aims to solidify its position as a key player, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is working to establish itself as a significant contender. The election is expected to see sharp polarization between the two major national parties.

The BJP confronts dual anti-incumbency challenges, having been in power both at the state and central levels for the past decade. In response to these pressures, the BJP made a strategic move by replacing Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini in March, ahead of the general election.

Saini has undertaken various initiatives to address grievances and build support. To appease disgruntled sarpanches, he has significantly increased their expenditure limit for gram panchayats from 5 lakh to 21 lakh. Additionally, he has introduced special grievance redressal camps, known as ‘Samadhan Shivirs,’ and ensured job security for 1.20 lakh contractual employees until their retirement.

In a bid to address concerns from Other Backward Classes, Saini has restored the creamy layer annual income threshold from 6 lakh to 8 lakh. His administration has also promised a 10% horizontal reservation for Agniveers in state government positions and an expanded minimum support price (MSP) regime for crops. These measures reflect the BJP’s efforts to navigate the electoral challenges and consolidate its position in Haryana.