National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah on Saturday alleged that the BJP has struck a deal with some regional parties and independent candidates to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing an election rally in Ganderbal assembly segment, the National Conference leader said those who have struck a deal with Delhi will not fulfill the demands of people. “If you need evidence for this, just look at the statement of Home Minister in Jammu yesterday,” he added.

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in Jammu, Abdullah said he was silent about Apni Party and People’s Conference during his speech at the BJP’s manifesto launch on Friday.

The NC vice president further said, “I thought he would at least name the party of Engineer Rashid (Awami Ittehad Party) but he did not.”

While releasing the party manifesto in Jammu on Friday, Shah expressed confidence in forming the government in the Union Territory. “There will be no government by the PDP, NC, and Congress ruled by dynasties. Rest possibilities, BJP will explore,” Shah said.

Abdullah is contesting elections from Ganderbal and Budgam assembly segments which will go to vote in the second phase of voting on September 25.

The NC leader reiterated his claim that people who are in jails are specifically contesting against him and cited the names of Awami Ittehad Party’s Sheikh Abdul Rashid, who defeated him in the Lok Sabha polls, and separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati who is pitted against the NC leader in the upcoming assembly elections.

Abdullah wondered why people in jail were after him and wanted to contest elections against him. What is the reason?” he asked. He had earlier suggested that Barkati, who was from Zainapora, Shopian, was contesting against him as part of a conspiracy from Delhi, hinting again at the Central government.

The erstwhile state Chief Minister Abdullah said it was not a coincidence that these jailed people are contesting elections against him. “They want to target only one person, the National Conference candidate from Ganderbal,” he added.

Extolling Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra on its second anniversary, the Congress on Saturday said the Kanyakumari-Kashmir march was a massive booster dose for the party and a historic mass movement that became synonymous with uniting the society.

On the occasion, the Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Yatra proved that Indians were inherently loving people and “today our mission remains to ensure that the voice of love is heard in every corner of the country”.

Posting a video montage of the Yatra on X, Gandhi said that the Bharat Jodo Yatra taught him the beauty of silence. “In the midst of cheering crowds and slogans, I discovered the power to tune out the noise and focus entirely on the person next to me — to truly listen”, he added.

The former Congress president said he has listened to thousands of Indians from diverse backgrounds during those 145 days and has been listening since then. Each voice has carried wisdom, teaching him something new, and each has represented “our beloved Bharat Mata,” he added.

The Yatra proved that Indians are inherently loving people, adding, that when he started this journey he said love will conquer hate and hope will defeat fear, Gandhi said.

On second anniversary of the Yatra, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said the distance covered on foot by Rahul Gandhi and Bharat Jodo Yatris from Kanyakumari to Kashmir awakened an unprecedented public consciousness of love, mutual harmony and brotherhood in the hearts of crores of people.

“On the occasion of the second anniversary of Bharat Jodo Yatra, I only appeal to the people of the country to continue the struggle to preserve the Constitution and democracy,” Kharge said in a post in Hindi.

“Our struggle continues on the real issues of economic inequalities, inflation, unemployment, social injustice, destruction of the Constitution, centralization of power,” the Congress chief said.

The resolve to protect our constitutional values of justice, freedom, equality and brotherhood must be stronger, he said.

“We will not let the agenda of hatred and division succeed. The victory of love and humanity is certain. The Congress Party will not stop, it will not pause. The voice of Mother India is our voice,” he said.

“As the Bharat Jodo Yatra marks a milestone, we celebrate the resilient tapestry of unity and inclusivity it has woven across India’s diverse landscapes,” Kharge said.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to justice and a brighter future, where every thread counts and every voice matters,” he said.

At the National Teachers’ Awards ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that efforts were being made to recognise bright teachers practising innovative methods.

“Honoured to meet the outstanding educators who have been awarded the National Teachers’ Awards. Their passion and dedication to shaping young minds are truly inspiring,” PM Modi said while sharing a video today on his X handle.

The Prime Minister attended the National Teachers’ Awards on Friday. While interacting with teachers who have conferred the awards, he said they could prepare young students for ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Taking a swipe at the previous governments, PM Modi said he would not talk about what used to happen earlier.

In an interaction, PM Modi suggested that the teachers could involve the students in selecting the top 100 tourist destinations in the country by encouraging them to learn about different places they might visit as part of education tours.

PM Modi, while noting that there would be many others doing excellent work, said the teachers awarded were selected after a long process as their efforts can be useful in the new National Education Policy (NEP).

Suggesting further, PM Modi said that teachers should take their students to nearby universities and watch sporting events as the experience could fire up their dreams.

According to an official statement, as many as 82 teachers from around the country were selected for the award. They included 50 teachers by the Department of School Education & Literacy, 16 by the Department of Higher Education, and 16 by the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Modi also suggested that the awardee teachers connect with each other on social media and share their best practices so that everyone could learn, adapt and benefit.

He highlighted the impact of the NEP and spoke about the significance of attaining education in the mother tongue.

The Prime Minister advised that the teachers teach local folklore to their students in different languages so that they learn multiple languages and also get exposure to India’s vibrant culture.