The Election Commission of India has announced assembly elections for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. Jammu and Kashmir will have its first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, held in three phases starting September 18, with results expected on October 4, amid heightened security due to recent insurgent activities. Haryana will hold single-phase polls on October 1, with the Congress party, led by Bhupinder Hooda, positioning itself as a strong contender against the ruling BJP. The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are particularly significant as they come after a decade and amid demands for the restoration of statehood. Key political figures like Farooq Abdullah have confirmed participation, highlighting the political stakes involved.