Former J-K Minister Taj Mohiuddin Quits DPA Party, Rejoins Congress

In a significant shift ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, former minister Taj Mohiuddin resigns from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party and announces his return to Congress. The elections will be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1.

In a major setback to Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Jammu and Kashmir minister Taj Mohiuddin has resigned from the party just before the assembly polls. Mohiuddin told ANI over the phone that he plans to rejoin the Congress party soon.

Mohiuddin described his return to Congress as a 'homecoming.' He clarified that he is rejoining with the consent of Ghulam Nabi Azad and expressed his wish that Azad should also return to Congress.

The former J-K Minister, eager to contest the upcoming elections, stated that he is ready to run if the Congress party provides him a ticket. Meanwhile, the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, according to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

As per the CEC's announcement, voters in Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes on September 18 and 25, with the third phase occurring on October 1 alongside Haryana. The vote counting will take place on October 4 for both regions.

Jammu and Kashmir boasts a total electorate of 87.09 lakh, with 44.46 lakh male voters, 42.62 lakh female voters, and other categories including Transgender, PwDs, very senior citizens, centenarians, service electors, and first-time voters. In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024.

The region, which last saw elections in 2014, faces a pivotal moment as it prepares for its first elections in a decade. The PDP-BJP coalition government collapsed in June 2018, leading to a prolonged period without local governance. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)