The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday issued a formal clarification regarding its earlier announcement of candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The statement, released by the office of National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, addressed an error in the previously circulated list of party nominees.

According to the clarification, the name mentioned at Serial No. 1 in the earlier communication as Shri Ghulam Mohammad Mir was incorrect. The party has officially corrected the name to Dr. Ali Mohammad Mir, who will now be the BJP’s candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat. The correction came after a round of internal consultations within the party leadership.

Party sources said the decision to rectify the error was taken promptly to ensure full transparency and to avoid any confusion ahead of the crucial elections. They added that the BJP remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of communication and organizational discipline.

The updated candidate list has already been shared with the Election Commission of India and relevant authorities. Senior BJP leaders emphasized that the party’s internal processes are designed to correct any inadvertent errors swiftly and efficiently.

Dr. Ali Mohammad Mir, who now officially figures in the list, is expected to play a significant role in the party’s strategy for the Upper House. The BJP leadership has expressed confidence in his capabilities and contributions.

The Rajya Sabha elections hold major political significance in Jammu and Kashmir, as they will shape the state’s representation at the national level. With this clarification, the BJP has put to rest all speculation surrounding the first candidate on its list. Further announcements are expected as the election process advances.

Doda, October 11, 2025: In a significant development, Doda Police have successfully apprehended the suspect wanted in connection with FIR No. 97/2025, registered under Sections 137(2)/64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3/4 of the POCSO Act, at Police Station Gandoh on October 1, 2025. The arrest was made within a remarkable span of just 10 days, highlighting the swift response and dedicated efforts of Doda Police in their pursuit of justice and commitment to public safety.

The case stemmed from a written complaint regarding the kidnapping and subsequent rape of a minor girl. Following the crime, the accused, identified as Swami Raj, son of Sindoroo Ram, a resident of Ramnagar, District Udhampur, fled the scene and went into hiding.

In response to the complaint, Police Station Gandoh acted promptly under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Shri Sandeep Mehta (JKPS). A specialized team was formed, led by Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Sunil Kumar, with oversight from the Station House Officer (SHO) of PS Gandoh, Inspector Farooq Katoch, and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gandoh, Shri Raj Kumar Koul.

By employing a strategic blend of technical surveillance and human intelligence, the police team successfully located and apprehended the suspect.

The prompt and professional handling of this sensitive case has received widespread praise from the community, reinforcing public trust in law enforcement.

Doda Police reaffirm their unwavering zero-tolerance policy towards crimes, especially those targeting women and children, and remain committed to taking strong action against all forms of such criminal activities.

Srinagar, Oct 11:
The Mutaheda Ulema Council, under the presidentship of Mufti Azam Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, convened an important meeting in Srinagar today, attended by various prominent religious scholars and clerics from across the Valley.

During the meeting, the Council held detailed discussions over the issue of frozen and rotten meat being sold in markets. After deliberations, it was unanimously decided that the sale of frozen chicken and other frozen meat products will not be allowed in local hotels, restaurants, or markets across Kashmir.

The Ulema emphasized that only locally produced chicken and meat, processed under hygienic and environmentally sound conditions, will be permitted for sale. The decision aims to promote local livestock production and ensure the public has access to fresh, healthy meat.

Mufti Azam Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam expressed gratitude to the concerned government departments and enforcement agencies actively working to curb the sale of substandard and unhygienic frozen meat products. He also underscored the need to strengthen local slaughterhouse systems and mechanisms, ensuring all operations comply with proper Islamic and hygienic standards.

The meeting concluded with a collective appeal to traders, hoteliers, and the general public to cooperate with the decision and support local meat producers. The Ulema reiterated that the initiative is not only religiously significant but also beneficial for public health and the local economy.

Awami Itihad Party (AIP) on Friday announced Nazir Khan as its official candidate for the Budgam seat, specifically Beerwah Assembly constituency, ahead of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

The announcement was made during a press conference organized by the party leadership. Senior leaders of the party said the decision reflects AIP’s commitment to fielding strong local representatives who understand ground realities and the concerns of the people. They emphasized that Nazir Khan has been actively involved in social and political activities in the region, earning the trust of the local population over the years.

Speaking at the event, party leaders stated that AIP is determined to raise genuine public issues, including unemployment, development deficits, and infrastructure challenges in Budgam. They assured that if elected, Nazir Khan would prioritize improving basic facilities such as roads, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for the youth.

The leaders further highlighted that the Beerwah constituency holds political significance and has been at the center of several key developments in the past. They expressed confidence that Nazir Khan’s candidature would energize the party’s grassroots campaign and strengthen its position in central Kashmir.

Local supporters and party workers present at the press conference welcomed the decision with enthusiasm, calling it a step toward bringing accountable and transparent leadership to the region.

With this announcement, AIP has officially entered the electoral fray for Budgam, setting the stage for a competitive contest in the constituency. Party functionaries said they would soon begin a door-to-door campaign to mobilize support for Nazir Khan and highlight the party’s vision for development and people’s empowerment in Beerwah.

Srinagar Oct 11 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a criminal investigation into a large-scale evacuee property land scam involving senior government officials and private beneficiaries. The case centers on the illegal exchange and manipulation of prime evacuee land located on Gupkar Road, one of Srinagar’s most valuable areas.

While addressing press conference, Senior Superintendent Police, ACB Javid Hassan said that officials from the Revenue Department and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department colluded with private individuals to execute an unlawful land swap. About 17 marlas of evacuee land were exchanged with property of far lesser value at another site.

The exchange was carried out without the mandatory No Objection Certificate from the Defence Estates Office and in violation of Jammu and Kashmir High Court directions. Investigators found that the officials deliberately ignored legal procedures, falsified land records, and approved fake revenue entries to benefit private parties.

The enquiry revealed that tenancy columns and revenue extracts were tampered with to disguise ownership details. The evacuee property on Gupkar Road holds both high commercial and strategic value, making the manipulation a serious breach of public trust.

The ACB found that mandatory scrutiny and NOC requirements were intentionally bypassed, pointing to a premeditated conspiracy. The alleged acts constitute criminal misconduct, forgery, abuse of position, and conspiracy, causing significant financial loss to the government.

An FIR No. 19/2025 has been registered at ACB Police Station Srinagar under sections 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Section 120-B of the RPC.

The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full conspiracy, trace illegal financial transactions, and fix individual accountability. The ACB has stated that further arrests and departmental actions are likely.

The Bureau urged citizens to stay alert and report any corruption or illegal dealings involving public servants through its official helpline and communication channels.

Srinagar, Oct 11, 2025: Ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, all BJP MLAs from the Union Territory have been summoned to Srinagar, party sources confirmed. The party is set to field candidates for all four Rajya Sabha seats, signaling a coordinated effort to consolidate its strength among legislators.

Highly placed sources revealed that a seven-member panel has been sent to the BJP high command for final approval of the candidates. The official announcement of the nominees is expected tomorrow. This panel, consisting of senior party functionaries, has reportedly been tasked with finalizing the names to ensure strategic representation in the Upper House.

In preparation for the polls, the BJP has organized a mock voting exercise for its MLAs. The exercise aims to familiarize legislators with the voting procedure, streamline coordination, and ensure a disciplined approach during the actual election. BJP President Sat Sharma, along with central party leaders, is scheduled to address the media tomorrow, providing updates on the candidate list and the party’s strategy for the Rajya Sabha polls.

The Rajya Sabha elections in J&K are being closely monitored, as they come at a politically sensitive time following the recent assembly elections. With the BJP holding 28 seats in the 88-member Assembly, the party is keen to leverage its legislative strength while negotiating with allied or supporting members to secure its nominees. Analysts note that the move to organize mock polls indicates the BJP’s focus on minimizing errors and maintaining internal cohesion during the voting process.

The announcement of the candidates is expected to set the tone for intense political activity in the Union Territory, with other regional parties also strategizing their approach to the Upper House elections. The opposition is likely to carefully observe the BJP’s nominations and voting arrangements, potentially influencing alliances and support patterns in the coming days.

Political observers say the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir are not only a test of party strength but also a reflection of the ongoing political dynamics in the region. The BJP’s efforts to finalize candidates and prepare its legislators signal the party’s intention to play a decisive role in the Upper House, while closely managing its internal and external alliances.

DELHI OCT 10: In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has granted the Union Government 4weeks’ time to file its response in the Jammu and Kashmir statehood restoration matter.

The bench, hearing petitions related to the reorganization of the erstwhile state, directed the Centre to submit a detailed reply outlining the progress and roadmap regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The court’s decision comes amid growing political and public anticipation over the issue, which has remained a key point of debate since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

The next hearing is expected after the completion of the 4-week period, during which the Union is required to present its official stand and future plan before the apex court.