The Congress Screening Committee is meeting with party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at the AICC headquarters in Delhi. This crucial meeting is focused on finalising candidate selections and strategising for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana elections. The Election Commission has announced that Jammu and Kashmir will hold Assembly elections in three phases on 18 September, 25 September, and 1 October. Haryana will conduct its assembly polls in a single phase on 1 October. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed a press conference, highlighting the success of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as one of the largest and most peaceful elections globally, marking a significant democratic milestone. Kumar noted the unprecedented voter turnout and peaceful conduct of the elections, celebrating it as a major achievement for democracy.