Mallikarjun Kharge appoints MK Bhardwaj, Bhanu Mahajan as acting working presidents of J-K Pradesh Congress Committee

"Congress President has appointed MK Bhardwaj and Bhanu Mahajan as Acting Working Presidents of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, with immediate effect," an official statement of the party said.

Earlier in the day, Kharge stated that the priority of Congress is to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that no state has ever been changed to Union Territory before.

"The state has never been changed to Union Territory. We are asking, why have you not given statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, you have all the power, then why are they doing it?" Congress president Kharge asked BJP, while addressing a press conference in Jammu.

"...We have declared seven guarantees. Our priority is to restore statehood to J&K. The second guarantee is to provide a health insurance scheme that will provide coverage of Rs 25 lakh to every family in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," Kharge added.

Further describing Congress Party's promises for Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "A monthly benefit of Rs 3,000 will be given to women heads of families. An interest-free loan of Rs 5 lakh will also be given to women...OBCs to get their rights as enshrined in the Constitution... 1 lakh jobs are vacant when we come into power will notify them immediately."

The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held in three phases. The first phase was held on September 18, with voter turnout of 61.13 pc. 24 seats across seven districts, including 16 seats in the Kashmir region and eight seats in the Jammu region went to polls in the first phase.

The subsequent phases are scheduled on September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an interesting contest with several political parties and independents in the fray. National Congress and Congress have formed a pre-poll alliance, though they are also in friendly contest on some seats.

This is the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Leaders have held hectic campaigns to boost the prospects of their party candidates. (ANI)