Polity

 

Indian Polity and Constitution Current Affairs, Important for competitive Exams.

Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 Comes into Effect to Ensure Transparent Property Management

The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 officially came into force on April 8, 2025, following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. The legislation had been passed by both Houses of Parliament the previous week.

The amended law focuses on:

  • Improving the management of Waqf properties
  • Safeguarding heritage sites
  • Promoting social welfare initiatives

Key objectives include:

  • Enhancing transparency and accountability in Waqf property administration
  • Better coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities
  • Protecting the rights of stakeholders

The Act aims to build a secular and well-governed system for Waqf affairs, ensuring public trust and effective use of assets for community benefit.

Parliament Budget Session concludes, both houses adjourned sine die

The Budget Session of Parliament, which began on January 31, 2025, officially concluded on April 5, 2025, with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die. The Monsoon Session will be scheduled later.

In his valedictory remarks for the 267th Rajya Sabha session, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised members for their active participation. The Upper House sat for 159 hours, achieving 119% productivity, including a historic longest sitting on April 3–4 from 11 AM to 4:02 AM. A record 49 private members’ bills were introduced.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reported 26 sittings and a 118% productivity rate. During the session, 10 government bills were introduced and 16 were passed, including the key Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which passed after midnight following an intense debate. The bill received 128 votes in favor and 95 against.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, revised based on recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee, aims to modernize the 1995 Act by improving the efficiency of Waqf Boards, simplifying the registration process, and integrating technology for better management of waqf properties.

The Budget Session was split into two parts: Jan 31–Feb 13 and from March 10 onwards.

Parliament Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed by Parliament after the Rajya Sabha approved it on April 3, 2025, with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, following a 12-hour debate. The Lok Sabha had already approved the Bill.

The Bill aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, ensure transparency and accountability, and promote heritage protection and social welfare, particularly improving the status of Muslim women, including widows and divorcees. It proposes an inclusive Waqf Board, with representation from different Muslim sects and a limited number of non-Muslim members to preserve its secular nature.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the Bill would benefit crores of poor Muslims without interfering with Waqf properties, aligning with the government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” vision. The Bill was drafted after consultations with stakeholders and the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, and others, opposed the Bill, calling it anti-secular, unconstitutional, and politically motivated. However, several leaders like HD Devegowda supported the Bill, citing misuse of Waqf properties.

Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, repealing the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 Amid Heated Debate

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 on April 2, 2025, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The House also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, repealing the Mussalman Wakf Act 1923.

Key Provisions and Government’s Stand:

  • Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved the bill, stating that it focuses solely on Waqf properties and aims to make Waqf Boards more inclusive and transparent.
  • The bill mandates representation from different Muslim sects and women in Waqf Boards.
  • Rijiju criticized the 2013 amendments under the UPA government for allowing misuse of Waqf laws and questioned why, despite India having the highest number of Waqf properties globally, Indian Muslims remain economically disadvantaged.

Opposition’s Criticism:

  • Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi called the bill unconstitutional and alleged it was an attempt to defame minorities and divide society.
  • Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of using the bill to divert attention from economic issues like unemployment and inflation.
  • TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee, DMK’s A Raja, and other opposition leaders criticized the bill, calling it anti-minority and an attack on Muslim rights.

Government’s Response:

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that non-Muslims will not manage Waqf properties, dismissing fears of interference in religious practices.
  • He argued that the bill aims to prevent land mismanagement and enhance transparency, blaming the Congress for past misuses of Waqf-related laws.
  • BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasized that the bill promotes gender justice by ensuring women’s representation in Waqf Boards.

Support from Other Parties:

  • TDP’s Krishna Prasad Tenneti supported the bill, highlighting the mismanagement of Waqf properties worth ₹1.2 lakh crore.
  • JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh asserted that the bill ensures justice for all sections of Muslims while curbing misuse of Waqf properties.
  • Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde referred to the legislation as “UMEED” (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development), aimed at uplifting minorities.

The bill’s passage marks a significant move in reforming Waqf property management, though controversy and political opposition remain strong.

Parliament Passes Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 has been passed by both houses of Parliament, with the Rajya Sabha approving it on 25 March 2025. It amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the National and State Disaster Management Authorities (NDMA and SDMA).

Key highlights:

  • The NDMA and SDMA will now prepare disaster plans at national and state levels, replacing the role of executive committees.
  • States can establish Urban Disaster Management Authorities for capitals and cities with municipal corporations.
  • A disaster database will be created at both national and state levels.

Centre Approves Salary and Allowance Hike for MPs, Effective April 2023

The Centre has officially announced a significant revision in the salaries, allowances, and pensions of Members of Parliament (MPs), effective from April 1, 2023. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs issued a gazette notification on March 24, 2025, confirming the changes.

Key highlights of the revision:

  • Monthly Salary: Increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh.
  • Daily Allowance: Raised from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500.
  • Pensions for Former MPs: Revised from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000 per month, with additional pensions for extended service increasing from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per year of service beyond five years.

This comprehensive adjustment ensures MPs’ compensation keeps pace with inflation and supports their legislative duties effectively. MPs also receive enhanced allowances for constituency-related work, office maintenance, and other perks such as free flights, train travel, and accommodations.

The last revision took place in 2018, making this a timely update to address rising living costs and economic shifts.

Election Commission Initiates Voter ID-Aadhaar Linking Consultations

On March 18, 2025, the Election Commission announced major steps to enhance electoral process!

Voter ID & Aadhaar Linking: 🤝 The EC will soon begin technical consultations with UIDAI to explore linking Voter IDs with Aadhaar, ensuring a more robust and accurate voter database. This will be done in accordance with Article 326, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Supreme Court judgments.

Duplicate Voter IDs Resolved: 🔍 Say goodbye to duplicate voter ID issues! The EC is committed to resolving these problems within the next three months.

Empowering Political Agents: 📚 Field-level political agents (booth, polling, counting, and election agents) will receive comprehensive training to better understand their vital roles.

Shorter Polling Queues: ⏳ To reduce waiting times, future polling booths will be limited to a maximum of 1,200 electors.

Second part of the Budget Session of Parliament commenced on March 10, 2025

The second part of the Budget Session of the Indian Parliament commenced on March 10, 2025, and is scheduled to run until April 4, 2025. This session follows the adjournment of the first part on February 13, 2025. The government has prioritized the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, which is expected to be a significant point of contention between the ruling party and the Opposition.

The session has already witnessed heated debates, particularly over the National Education Policy (NEP) in Tamil Nadu. The Opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, has raised concerns about alleged discrepancies in voter lists and the recent violence in Manipur. The government is also keen on discussing the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to address the issue.

In addition to these key issues, the session will see the introduction of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aimed at enhancing national security and standardizing immigration procedures. The Lok Sabha will also discuss the Manipur budget, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The second part of the Budget Session is crucial for the passage of several important bills and addressing pressing national issues. The proceedings are being closely watched as the government and the Opposition engage in intense debates and discussions.

Rekha Gupta Becomes Delhi’s New CM as BJP Returns to Power After 27 Years

Rekha Gupta has been announced as the new Chief Minister of Delhi after the BJP legislative party meeting on 19 Feb 2025. She won from Shalimar Bagh in the recent Delhi Assembly elections. Gupta began her political career with ABVP in 1992 at Daulat Ram College and later became the President of Delhi University Students’ Union. She has also served as General Secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi.

She will take oath as CM tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan, with LG VK Saxena administering the oath at 12:35 PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and leaders from 20 states are expected to attend. Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for the event.

The BJP, returning to power in Delhi after 27 years, secured 48 out of 70 seats, reducing AAP to 22.

BJP Returns to Power in Delhi After 27 Years, Defeats AAP in Assembly Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly Election on 8 February 2025, returning to power after 27 years by defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

  • BJP won 48 seats in the 70-member assembly, while AAP secured 22 seats.
  • Congress failed to win a single seat, getting wiped out from the polls.
  • A party needs 35 seats to form the government in Delhi.

Key Winners:

✅ BJP: Parvesh Sahib Singh (New Delhi), Vijender Gupta (Rohini), Kapil Misra (Karawal Nagar), Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Rajouri Garden), and others.
✅ AAP: Atishi (Kalkaji), Gopal Rai (Babarpur), Imran Hussain (Ballimaran), Sahi Ram (Tughlakabad), and others.

Notable Defeats:

❌ AAP: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bhardwaj.
❌ Congress: Sandeep Dikshit.
❌ BJP: Ramesh Bidhuri, Raaj Kumar Anand.

Budget session of Parliament to begin on Jan 31

The Budget session of Parliament began on January 31, 2025, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both Houses. Following this, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey when both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha meet briefly. On February 1, 2025, she will present the Union Budget for 2025-26. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will then discuss the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address on February 3, 2025.

During this session, 16 bills will be discussed, including the Finance Bill 2025, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024. The first part of the Budget session will run until February 13, 2025, and the second part will take place from March 10 to April 4, 2025.

Uttarakhand Cabinet approves Uniform Civil Code (UCC) manual

The Uttarakhand State Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) manual on 20 January 205, marking a step toward its implementation. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed optimism, stating that Uttarakhand’s adoption of the UCC could inspire the rest of India.

The UCC aims to establish a common set of laws for personal relationships, promoting equality and justice among all citizens.

Govt releases draft of Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, on January 3, 2025, to implement the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. These rules aim to strengthen the legal framework for protecting digital personal data and provide a detailed implementation framework.

Key Provisions

  1. Notice Requirement: Data fiduciaries must provide clear notices to individuals about the data they collect, the purpose of collection, and obtain specific and informed consent.
  2. Consent Managers: The rules introduce the concept of consent managers who will work with data fiduciaries to collect and manage user consent.
  3. Data Protection for Minors: Verifiable parental consent is required for processing the personal data of children.
  4. Data Breach Notification: Data fiduciaries must inform the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) within 72 hours of a data breach.
  5. Data Deletion: Users who stop using e-commerce, social media, or online gaming services for an extended period must be given 48 hours’ notice before their data is deleted.
  6. Data Localisation: Significant data fiduciaries must ensure that certain personal data is processed within India.
  7. Data Protection Impact Assessment: Significant data fiduciaries must conduct regular assessments and audits to ensure compliance with the DPDP Act.

Public Consultation

The draft rules are open for public feedback until February 18, 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments and suggestions to help refine the final version of the rules.

‘One Nation, One Election’ bills refers to Joint Parliamentary Committee for wider consultations

On December 17, 2024, the government referred the One Nation One Election (ONOE) bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended detailed discussions at every level before proceeding with the bills. This followed the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, which aim to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Opposition leaders objected to the bills, but Meghwal described the opposition as political and reiterated the government’s readiness to involve the JPC.

The JPC is a temporary parliamentary committee comprising members from both Houses and political parties. It examines specific bills or issues in detail, gathers evidence from experts, and consults stakeholders. Its recommendations are advisory, and the government is not obligated to implement them. The JPC is dissolved after completing its examination.

Union Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills

On December 12, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills, a significant step towards implementing simultaneous elections across India. This initiative aims to synchronize the elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, reducing the frequency of elections and the associated costs and disruptions.

The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been a long-standing agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The proposal received a major push with the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee suggested amendments to the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous elections in two phases: first, aligning the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, followed by synchronizing municipal and panchayat elections within 100 days of the national and state polls.

The approved bills include a constitutional amendment to enable simultaneous elections and another bill to amend provisions in laws dealing with Union Territories that have legislative assemblies, such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. The government plans to introduce these bills in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, with the expectation of referring them to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and consultations.

Supporters of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative argue that it will enhance governance efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and minimize the disruption caused by frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. However, the proposal has faced criticism from opposition parties, who claim it threatens regional representation and federalism.

Devendra Fadnavis becomes Maharashtra Chief Minister for the Third Time

Devendra Fadnavis becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time on 5 December 2024. He leads the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory in the recent assembly elections.

There are two deputy chief ministers: Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena. The swearing-in ceremony to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent leaders.

Fadnavis, who has previously served as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 and briefly in 2019, was unanimously chosen as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party.

In the recent Assembly Election Mahayuti alliance secured 235 seats in the 288-member House. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57 and NCP with 41 seats.

JMM Leader Hemant Soren Becomes Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the Fourth Time

Hemant Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), is set to take the oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the fourth time on 28 November 2024. This follows the recent state elections where his JMM-led coalition secured a decisive victory, winning 56 out of the 81 Assembly seats. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 4 pm at the Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administering the oath.

Soren’s victory marks a significant moment in Jharkhand’s political history, as it is the first time an incumbent government has returned to power after completing a full five-year term. The JMM achieved its highest-ever tally, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested, while its allies, the Congress and RJD, secured 16 and four seats respectively.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by several prominent leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In his victory speech, Soren expressed gratitude to the people of Jharkhand for their continued trust and emphasized the importance of unity and social justice.

Winter session of Parliament commence on 25 November 2024

The Winter session of Parliament will commence on 25 November 2024, featuring 19 sittings over 26 days. There will be no session on 26 November to commemorate Constitution Day, with the main celebration at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

The session will continue until 20 December 2024, with 16 bills listed for legislative business, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and the Indian Ports Bill, 2024. Additionally, discussions and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25 will be addressed.

An all-party meeting was held to ensure smooth functioning, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging cooperation from opposition parties. 42 leaders from 30 political parties participated, providing suggestions to be discussed in the business advisory committee.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari highlighted issues for discussion, including an alleged bribery scam, the Manipur situation, unemployment, and pollution in North India. The meeting was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with attendance from various Union Ministers and MPs.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to follow parliamentary decorum, inspired by the Constituent Assembly debates and discussions.

BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra and JMM-led INDIA bloc in Jharkhand retained power in Assembly Elections

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc retained power in Jharkhand.

  • Maharashtra:
    • Total seats: 288
    • BJP: 132 seats
    • Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde): 57 seats
    • NCP (Ajit Pawar): 41 seats
    • Congress: 16 seats
    • NCP (Sharad Pawar group): 10 seats
    • Shiv Sena (UBT): 20 seats
    • Others: 12 seats
    • The Mahayuti coalition includes BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
  • Jharkhand:
    • Total seats: 81
    • JMM: 34 seats
    • Congress: 16 seats
    • RJD: 4 seats
    • BJP: 21 seats
    • Others: 6 seats
    • The INDIA bloc includes JMM, Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML).

Polling dates:

  • Maharashtra: October 20.
  • Jharkhand: Two phases on October 13 and 20.
  • Counting Date : 22 November 2024

Formation Day of 8 States And 5 Union Territories on November 1

On November 1, eight states and five Union Territories celebrate their Foundation Day. These include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, along with the UTs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes, recognizing their contributions to the nation.

  • Andhra Pradesh was the first state created based on language, formed on November 1, 1956, after the split of Hyderabad State.
  • Karnataka, previously called Mysore, was restructured on November 1, 1956, uniting Kannada-speaking regions. It celebrates “Rajyotsava Day” with parades and cultural programs.
  • Kerala was also formed on November 1, 1956, by merging Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore, celebrating its rich heritage and literacy achievements.
  • Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s “heart,” was reorganized on November 1, 1956, with celebrations including traditional performances and awards.
  • Chhattisgarh became India’s 26th state on November 1, 2000, and is renowned as the “rice bowl of India.”
  • Haryana was carved out from Punjab on November 1, 1966, due to linguistic distinctions, honoring its legacy in agriculture and sports.
  • Punjab was restructured on the same day in 1966 to establish a state for Punjabi speakers, highlighting its vibrant culture and history.

Prabowo Subianto became the President of Indonesia

In Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto became the president of the world’s third-largest democracy on October 20, 2024. He will be the eighth president of Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population.

The 73-year-old, a former special forces commander, won the election held on February 14, 2024, with almost 60% of the vote. His policies, like providing free meals to school children, helped him secure a strong victory.

Nayab Singh Saini sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana

Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for a second term on October 17, 2024, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) third consecutive government in the state. The oath was administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at a ceremony in Panchkula.

The BJP won 48 out of 90 seats in the recent elections, while Congress secured 37. The event was attended by key BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, as well as NDA allies like Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.

Omar Abdullah sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 16 October 2024. This is the first elected government in the Union Territory since it was reorganized in 2019 after the removal of Article 370. The oath ceremony took place in Srinagar, and Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave him the oath of office.

Several ministers were also sworn in, including National Conference MLAs Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, Sakina Itoo, Surinder Kumar Chowdhary, and independent MLA Satish Sharma.

The National Conference won 42 out of 90 seats, and their ally Congress won 6.

Omar Abdullah, who was the Chief Minister from 2009 to 2014, comes from a famous political family. His grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and his father, Farooq Abdullah, both served as Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.

Maharashtra, Jharkhand assembly elections in November; counting of votes on 23rd Nov

Maharashtra will hold assembly elections in a single phase on November 20, while Jharkhand will conduct its elections in two phases on November 13 and 20. The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, announced the schedule for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections.

  • Maharashtra, with 9.63 crore voters, will have 288 assembly seats, and the notification for nominations will be issued on October 22.
  • Jharkhand, with 2.6 crore voters, will have polling in over 26,000 stations, with notifications for its phases on October 18 and 22.
  • Vote counting for both states will occur on November 23.

Additionally, bye-elections for 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats will be held on November 13, including the Wayanad Parliamentary seat, and the bye-polls for one assembly seat in Uttarakhand and Nanded Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra will be on November 20.

BJP retained Haryana; NC and Congress alliance secured a majority in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

On 8 October 2024, vote counting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana was completed.

Haryana Assembly Elections 2024:

  • BJP secured a majority in the 90-member Haryana Legislative Assembly and retained power for the third consecutive term, winning 48 seats.
  • Congress won 37 seats, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) got 2 seats, and independents won 3 seats.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024:

  • The National Conference and Congress alliance secured a majority with 48 seats in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
  • National Conference won 42 seats, and Congress won 6 seats. BJP secured 29 seats.
  • Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 3 seats, while Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, CPI(M), and Aam Aadmi Party each won 1 seat. Independents secured 7 seats.

10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, held on 23-24 September 2024 in New Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, which concluded on 24th September 2024 in New Delhi.

The conference focused on issues like the digitisation of legislative assemblies, building the capacity of legislators, and the role of legislative bodies in promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Speakers, chairmen, and presiding officers from various states and union territories participated. Discussions highlighted the importance of making legislative bodies more engaged with the public. Participants shared innovative practices from their assemblies, and a key goal discussed was completing the digitisation of state assemblies to create a unified digital platform.

The CPA India Region, established in 2004, includes 31 branches, comprising the Indian Parliament and 30 state and union territory legislatures.

59 percent voter turnout in the first phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections

On 18 September 2024, Jammu and Kashmir saw its highest voter turnout in 35 years, with around 59 percent of voters participating in the first phase of assembly elections. The voting process was peaceful across 24 assembly constituencies in seven districts: Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda.

Youth and women voters played a key role, showing enthusiasm and trust in the democratic process. In the Kashmir division, Kulgam recorded the highest turnout with 61.57 percent, while Kishtwar in the Jammu division saw a turnout of 77.23 percent.

Polling took place across 3276 stations, with strong security and webcasting measures. Special arrangements, including home-voting and polling stations for Kashmiri migrants, were introduced to enhance participation.

Union Cabinet approves ‘One nation, One election’ proposal

On 18 September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. This plan aims to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, followed by local body and panchayat elections within 100 days.

The proposal is based on recommendations by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that it will be implemented in two phases: first, the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, then local body elections.

The proposal will be discussed widely, and an implementation group will be formed. The committee’s report highlights that simultaneous elections can improve policy stability and voter turnout. The proposal will now go to Parliament for approval.

Arvind Kejriwal submits resignation, Atishi becomes Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), resigned as Delhi Chief Minister on September 17, 2024. Kejriwal submitted his resignation to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Kejriwal had been granted bail on September 13 in the Delhi excise policy case, with conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, including avoiding public comments about the case.

Atishi, the newly-elected legislative party leader of AAP, has staked a claim to form the new government in Delhi.

Atishi, born and raised in Delhi, began her political career as an adviser to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the education ministry. She later became the Education Minister, handling multiple portfolios, and eventually succeeded Arvind Kejriwal. Atishi is a History graduate from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a Chevening and Rhodes Scholar. She completed two master’s degrees at Oxford University. Her parents, Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, were professors at Delhi University.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died at the age of 72

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died on 12 September 2024 at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Yechury had been undergoing treatment for an acute respiratory tract infection since August 19 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

He was born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai and started his political career in 1974 with his involvement in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). He served as President of the JNU Students’ Union three times and later as the All-India President of the SFI. In 1984, he was elected to the Central Committee of the CPI(M), and in 1992, he ascended to the Politburo.

Sitaram Yechury served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal from 2005 to 2017. He succeeded Prakash Karat as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015 and was re-elected to the position in 2018 and 2022.