The initial phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir has come to a close, marking a significant moment in the region’s political landscape. With approximately 60% voter turnout across 24 constituencies, this election holds great importance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially as it is the first in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. This landmark decision transformed the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
As voters from the seven districts cast their ballots, many voiced deep concerns about the pressing issues they face daily. Reports from polling stations highlighted widespread frustrations over inadequate development, high unemployment rates, and soaring electricity bills. Additionally, the plight of young people detained in jails has left many feeling disillusioned with the current state of affairs.
Voters also shared that their villages still lack basic necessities such as clean drinking water, upgraded healthcare facilities, and veterinary services for livestock. These issues are not just minor inconveniences; they represent significant challenges that impact the quality of life for countless residents.
The outcomes of this first phase have sealed the fate of several prominent candidates, with many now hoping to address these urgent concerns as they move forward. As the election progresses, the voices of the electorate will be crucial in shaping the future of governance in Jammu and Kashmir. The path ahead will require a focused approach to development, job creation, and social justice to ensure that the needs of the people are met.
Kolkata: On Friday, January 10, 2026, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members demonstrated against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her actions after the ED raids at the I-PAC office and its chief Pratik Jain's home. | In relation to an alleged coal smuggling case that stretches back a few years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and Pratik Jain's home on Loudon Street in Kolkata on Thursday, January 8, 2025. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a protest against the ED raids on I-PAC after the raid set off a political storm in the state. Why is a chief minister endorsing Pratik Jain, and who is he? Pratik Jain, a political strategist and co-founder of I-PAC, is a graduate of IIT Bombay. He is credited with helping I-PAC grow into one of the most significant political consulting organizations in India. I-PAC was established in 2015 and offers services like data-driven campaign management, support for governance, and voter outreach initiatives. It has collaborated with a number of Indian political groups throughout the years, notably West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC). I-PAC reportedly collaborates closely with Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, and his office. The company oversees the IT and media division of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC and is in charge of creating its election campaigns. Mr. Jain was in charge of the Trinamool Congress's IT cell, according to Ms. Banerjee. According to his LinkedIn page, Jain, an engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, started his career as an analyst at the consulting firm Deloitte. He was one of the first members of Citizens of Accountable Governance, which later evolved into I-PAC. Arvind Kejriwal, M.K. Stalin, Jaganmohan Reddy, Uddhav Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi, and Nitish Kumar are just a few of the prominent figures with whom the political consultancy firm has collaborated.…
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