• Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.
**Panchayat and local body Polls in Jammu and Kashmir: Election Buzz Intensifies Ahead of Eid*

**Panchayat and local body Polls in Jammu and Kashmir: Election Buzz Intensifies Ahead of Eid*

Published on March 27, 2025

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*Srinagar, March 27 ( RNA):* Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a flurry of political activity as authorities prepare for a series of elections, including the long-awaited Panchayat elections, local body polls, and by-polls for the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies. The announcement of these elections is expected at any time in the coming weeks, signaling a fresh chapter in the imJ&K’s electoral landscape.
In a sign of increasing political preparedness, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have geared up for the simultaneous conduct of Panchayat polls, Block Development Council (BDC) elections, and by-polls for the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already begun the preparatory work for the Budgam and Nagrota by-polls with the apex body announcing the dates for special summary revision on thursday evening.

RNA has learned from informed sources that the announcement for Panchayat and BDC elections is also expected in coming weeks .
These elections are particularly critical because they give local governance bodies direct influence over rural development and grassroots leadership in the region.
As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, political parties are preparing for a surge in activities. Sources indicate that after Eid, several parties will ramp up their efforts, with candidate selection and campaign strategies expected to be finalized soon. Sources told RNA that many parties are planing to re-structure block and district units soon after Eid.

Among the most notable developments is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is rumored to take a unique approach to the upcoming elections. Instead of directly fielding candidates, the party may choose to support independent candidates for the Panchayat and BDC elections. This strategy could be seen as a move to consolidate local support while avoiding direct competition in certain areas. The BJP’s decision to back independent candidates could reflect its desire to maintain influence in rural areas without fully immersing itself in the electoral fray.

While the spotlight remains on the Panchayat and BDC elections, another significant electoral development is also unfolding. Sources suggest that the District Development Council (DDC) elections, initially slated for a future date, may be put on hold. The reason for this possible delay stems from the perception that the DDC elections could be seen as redundant or even parallel to the roles of the elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). There is growing concern that the DDC elections might create overlap in authority with the MLAs, leading to confusion about the functioning of the two bodies. (RNA )

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  • Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.