View source for Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party

{{Short description|Political party in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2015}}
{{lead too long|date=May 2022}}
{{Too many sections|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox Indian political party
|party_logo         =
|colorcode          = Blue 
|leader             = [[Bhim Singh (politician)|Bhim Singh]] 
|chairman           =[[Harsh Dev Singh]] (2012 - 2022) <br> [[Bhim Singh (politician)|Bhim Singh]] (1982 - 2012) 
|secretary          = 
|president=[[Bhim Singh (politician)|Bhim Singh]] (2021 - present) <br>[[Balwant Singh Mankotia]] (2010-2021) |ppchairman         = 
|loksabha_leader    = 
|rajyasabha_leader  = 
|foundation         = {{Start date and years ago|df=yes|p=y|1982|03|23}}
|founder=[[Bhim Singh (politician)|Bhim Singh]], [[Jay Mala]]|dissolution        = 
|headquarters       = 17 VP House, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001
|eci                = State Party<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/ElectoralLaws/OrdersNotifications/ElecSym19012013_eng.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=9 May 2013|location=India|year=2013}}</ref> 
|alliance           = 
|loksabha_seats     =
|rajyasabha_seats   = 
|ideology           = [[Democracy]]<ref name=npp>{{Cite web|url = http://nationalpanthersparty.com/history|title = History|access-date = 26 September 2015|website = JK Panthers Party}}</ref><ref name=delim>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/sc-upholds-freeze-on-delimitation-in-jk-till-2026/article876533.ece|title=SC upholds freeze on delimitation in J&K till 2026|last=PTI|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 November 2010}}</ref> <br>[[Anti-corruption]]<ref name=npp/><ref name=delim/><br>[[Secularism]]<ref name="Headlines Today">{{Cite news|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FoqW11I4do|title = Headlines Today|date = 28 August 2014|work = Panther party MLAs disrupt house in Jammu and Kashmir assembly|access-date = 26 September 2015|via = youtube.com}}</ref><br>[[Women's rights]]<ref name="elections.in">{{Cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/political-parties-in-india/jammu-and-kashmir-national-panthers-party.html|title=Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP)|website=elections.in|access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref>
|position           =  
|publication        = Voice of Millions
|youth              = Young Panthers 
|students           = National Panthers Student Union 
|women              = Women Panthers 
|labour             = Panthers Trade Union 
|peasants           = Farmers Panthers Union 
|website            = {{Ublist|[http://jknationalpanthersparty.com Panthers Party Official Website]|[http://tnnpp.in Panthers Party of Tamil Nadu]}}
|state_seats_name   = [[District Development Council]]
|state_seats        =
{{Composition bar|2|280|hex=Blue}} 
|state2_seats_name  = [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly]]
|state2_seats        = {{Composition bar|0|90|hex=Blue}}
|symbol             = [[File:Indian Election Symbol Cycle.png|200px]]
|flag               = 
|party_name         = Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party
|predecessor        = 
|international      =
|colours            = 
}}
The '''Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party''' is a state political party in the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]. The party was founded on 23 March 1982 by Prof. [[Bhim Singh (politician)|Bhim Singh]] and a few prominent youth political personalities of the time including [[Jay Mala]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) – Party History, Symbol, Founders, Election Results and News|url = http://www.elections.in/political-parties-in-india/jammu-and-kashmir-national-panthers-party.html|website = www.elections.in|access-date = 2015-09-26|quote = It was the Bhim Singh-led JKNPP which moved the Supreme Court to hold elections in the militancy-torn Jammu and Kashmir in the historic year 1996. The Chief Election Commission of India was persuaded to conduct elections in the state, only due to the efforts of JKNPP.}}</ref> former President of the Indian Students [[Indian National Congress|Congress]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Bhim greets Atal Bihari on his 84th birthday - Scoop News Jammu Kashmir|url = http://www.scoopnews.in/det.aspx?q=18198|website = www.scoopnews.in|access-date = 2015-09-26}}</ref> Its aim is to "demolish corruption, communalism, criminalization, drug menace" and to establish a real democracy through ultimate revolution.<ref name="npp"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/sc-upholds-freeze-on-delimitation-in-jk-till-2026/article876533.ece|title=SC upholds freeze on delimitation in J&K till 2026|last=PTI|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 November 2010}}</ref> Panthers Party had campaigned for over three decades for the abolition of [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India|Article 370]] and [[Article 35A of the Constitution of India|Article 35A]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2014-11-26|title=JKNPP releases manifesto, promises amendment in Art 370|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/jknpp-releases-manifesto-promises-amendment-art-370/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Jammu Kashmir Latest News {{!}} Tourism {{!}} Breaking News J&K|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-07|title='I Have Been Fighting In Supreme Court For Many Years For Removing Article 35A', Bhim Singh Tells PAGD|url=https://kashmirlife.net/i-have-been-fighting-in-supreme-court-for-many-years-for-removing-article-35a-bhim-sells-tells-pagd-251512/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Kashmir Life|language=en-GB}}</ref> demanding that the special status of the [[State of Jammu and Kashmir]] be revoked,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2016-10-27|title=NPP pleads for one flag from Kanyakumari to Kashmir|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/npp-pleads-for-one-flag-from-kanyakumari-to-kashmir/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Jammu Kashmir Latest News {{!}} Tourism {{!}} Breaking News J&K|language=en-US}}</ref> and for it to be fully assimilated into the [[Republic Of India|Republic of India]]. These demands were finally met by a presidential order in August 2019 that [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status]]. Panthers Party campaigns for a further division of the [[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir|Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir]], with the recognition of [[Hindu]]-majority [[Jammu Division]] as a new and separate state of India.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-07|title=NPP demands statehood for Jammu|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/npp-demands-statehood-for-jammu-752737.html|access-date=2020-07-17|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-26|title='Dogra State Ka Darja Bahal Karo': Protests In Jammu For Separate State|url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2019/10/26/panthers-party-stages-protest-demands-statehood-for-jammu-region/|access-date=2020-07-17|website=Kashmir Observer|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, [[One Love Party|Ankit Love]], the son of Bhim Singh and Jay Mala, announced his candidacy for [[Prime Minister of India]] for the [[2019 Indian general election]].<ref name=":29">{{Cite news|last=Peat|first=Jack|date=2 June 2017|title=Homeless MP candidate would 'shut down' Saudi, Qatari and Brunei embassies in Westminster|language=en-GB|work=The London Economic|url=http://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/homeless-mp-candidate-shut-saudi-qatari-brunei-embassies-westminster/02/06/|access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Ganai|first=Naseer|date=24 February 2017|title=Prime Minister Modi To Face Love Challenge In 2019 Lok Sabha Elections|work=[[Outlook India]]|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/prime-minister-modi-to-face-love-challenge-in-2019-lok-sabha-elections/298050|access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-02-28|title=Ankit Love has announced he's running to be India's next PM.|work=[[London Live (TV channel)|London Live]]|url=https://twitter.com/LondonLive/status/836553724759724034|access-date=2017-03-30}}</ref> He became the party's leader on 28 May 2017.<ref name=":29" /> On 23 June 2021, Panthers Party President Prof. Bhim Singh was reported in the media as a potential candidate for the [[2022 Indian vice presidential election]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ankit Love wants nomination of Dr Karan Singh & Bhim Singh for President and Vice President of India|url=https://www.crosstownnews.in/post/65562/-ankit-love-wants-nomination-of-dr-karan-singh-a-bhim-singh-for-president-and-vice-president-of-india.html|access-date=2021-11-03|website=News  - Cross Town News, a Leading Newspaper of J&amp;K|language=en-US}}</ref> as recommended for nomination by [[Ankit Love]], just prior to meeting Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi|Modi]] at his residence for special dialogue in regards to the [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|title=Restoration of Statehood was demanded in the meeting: Bhim Singh, Leader, Panthers Party, tells Madhavdas G on India Upfront.|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/timesnow/status/1408080938299441153|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-12|website=Twitter - Times Now TV|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Approval of Instrument of Accession by Parliament essential : Bhim Singh|url=https://www.crosstownnews.in/post/65650/approval-of-instrument-of-accession-by-parliament-essential-bhim-singh.html|access-date=2021-11-03|website=News  - Cross Town News, a Leading Newspaper of J&amp;K|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1996 the party was notable in moving the Supreme Court and the Election Commission to return the democratic process to [[Kashmir conflict|militancy-torn Jammu and Kashmir]], when elections were held again in the state after a nine years hiatus.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title = Bhim Singh, President J&K ... vs Election Commissioner Of India ... on 4 April, 1996|url = http://indiankanoon.org/doc/37441427/|website = indiankanoon.org|access-date = 2015-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Sheila Dikshit releases Bhim Singh's book|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article393607.ece|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 2010-04-10|access-date = 2015-10-18|issn = 0971-751X|language = en}}</ref>

The party formed part of the coalition government of Jammu & Kashmir along with the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party|PDP]] after the [[2002 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|2002 Jammu & Kashmir elections]], winning all seats in the [[Udhampur district]], with [[Harsh Dev Singh]] serving as education minister in the cabinet,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/politics/panthers-party-feeling-heat-as-bjp-goes-all-out-in-udhampur/13498.html|title=Panthers Party feeling heat as BJP goes all out in Udhampur|date=2 December 2014|website=Tribune News|access-date=2015-09-26}}</ref> and [[Yash Paul Kundal]] as the minister of [[Animal husbandry in India|animal and sheep husbandry]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/kv-nagrota-organizes-29th-national-youth-parliament-competition/|title=KV Nagrota organizes 29th National Youth Parliament Competition|date=2016-08-10|newspaper=Daily Excelsior|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-03}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/panthers-fall-flat/|title=Panthers fall flat|date=2014-12-24|newspaper=Daily Exelsior|language=en-US|quote=Party’s two-time MLA and former Minister Yash Paul Kundal|access-date=2017-01-03}}</ref>

The party is a strong proponent of [[secular]] values in Jammu & Kashmir and across the region plagued by the terrorist [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="Headlines Today">{{Cite news|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FoqW11I4do|title = Headlines Today|date = 28 August 2014|work = Panther party MLAs disrupt house in Jammu and Kashmir assembly|access-date = 26 September 2015|via = youtube.com}}</ref> As a strong advocate of women's rights the Panthers Party women's wing works to protect women from domestic abuse in Jammu and Kashmir and [[Female foeticide in India|female foeticide]].<ref name="elections.in">{{Cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/political-parties-in-india/jammu-and-kashmir-national-panthers-party.html|title=Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP)|website=elections.in|access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref> The Women Panthers have called for a 33% [[Reservation in India|reservation]] of seats for women in the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.uniindia.com/panthers-women-wing-held-demonstration-for-1-3rd-reservation/states/news/321269.html|title=Panthers women wing held demonstration for 1/3rd reservation|date=26 December 2015|work=UNI India|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref>

Prof. Bhim Singh who is locally known as ''Sher-e-Jammu (Lion of Jammu)''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scoopnews.in/det.aspx?q=16029|title=NPP condoles death of Yash Sharma - Scoop News Jammu Kashmir|website=Scoop News|access-date=2016-11-12}}</ref> is the party's Chief Patron and served as the Panthers Party chairman for 30 years till 2012, when his nephew Harsh Dev Singh became Chairman. [[Balwant Singh Mankotia]] has served as party's state President since 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Young Bites : Daily {{!}} Leading News Paper of Jammu Kashmir|url = http://youngbites.in/newsdet.aspx?q=83358|website = youngbites.in|access-date = 2015-09-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150927084244/http://youngbites.in/newsdet.aspx?q=83358|archive-date = 27 September 2015|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Outlook India News : Bhim Singh's JKNPP splits, former ministers to form new party|url = http://www.outlookindia.com/news/printitem.aspx?334750|website = www.outlookindia.com|access-date = 2015-09-26|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150926231608/http://www.outlookindia.com/news/printitem.aspx?334750|archive-date = 26 September 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref>

The Panthers Party has been a long-time advocate of a sovereign statehood for [[State of Palestine|Palestine]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kashmirwatch.com/tame-israel-in-gaza-bhim-singh-to-kerry/|title=Tame Israel in Gaza, Bhim Singh to Kerry|date=2014-08-02|newspaper=Kashmir Watch|access-date=2017-02-14|language=en-US}}</ref> It strongly condemned Israel in reaction to the 2010 [[Gaza flotilla raid]] that left nine humanitarian aid workers dead, and called on the Indian central government to support [[Palestinians]] inside and outside the UN.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jknpp-demands-withdrawal-of-israeli-forces-from-palestine-1393904|title=JKNPP demands withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestine|date=2010-06-09|newspaper=DNA|access-date=2017-02-14|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalturk.com/en/pro-india-party-condemns-israeli-aggression-in-palestine-54244563/|title=Pro-India party condemns Israeli aggression in Palestine|date=11 June 2010|website=National Turk|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-14}}</ref> In 2014, Panthers Party activists burned an effigy of Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] at protests held in New Delhi, calling for UN intervention under [[Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter|Chapter VII]], and terming Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kashmirwatch.com/gaza-genocide-panthers-party-demands-un-intervention-under-chapter-vii/|title=Gaza Genocide: Panthers Party demands UN intervention under Chapter-VII|date=2014-07-23|newspaper=Kashmir Watch|access-date=2017-02-14|language=en-US}}</ref>

By December 2015, the Panthers Party's membership drive had reached a target of 100,000 members.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/npp-launches-membership-drive-in-jammu-distt/|title=NPP launches membership drive in Jammu distt|date=2015-12-05|newspaper=Daily Excelsior|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-12}}</ref>

Panthers Party, has fielded candidates in other Indian states, including [[Delhi]] in 2015,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/when-somebody-else-rode-the-bicycle-in-elections/articleshow/56335453.cms|title=When somebody else rode the 'bicycle' in elections|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> [[Uttarakhand]] in 2012,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/parties-having-no-support-base-in-uttarakhand-contesting-too/articleshow/56960542.cms|title=Parties having no support base in Uttarakhand contesting too|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> and in 2007 contested all MLA seats in [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:z4gnMA9cbLUJ:andhranews.net/India/2007/October/17-Panthers-Party-19229.asp+&cd=19&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk&client=opera|title=Panthers Party to contest all seats in Himachal Pradesh polls|website=Andhra News|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-12}}{{dead link|date=December 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2017, Panthers Party contested elections in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/punjab/news/after-election-commission-prod-number-of-parties-jumps-by-40/articleshow/56746704.cms|title=After Election Commission prod, number of parties jumps by 40%|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> and [[Uttar Pradesh]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/punjab/news/election-commission-allocates-symbols-to-independents/articleshow/56725381.cms|title=Election Commission allocates symbols to independents|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thevoiceofmillions.com/npp-holds-emergency-meeting-in-delhi-decides-to-contest-assembly-polls-in-five-states/|title=NPP holds emergency meeting in Delhi, decides to contest Assembly Polls in five states|website=Voice of Millions|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> and reconstituted its branch in [[Rajasthan]], headed by Ashok Bapna.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://brighterkashmir.com/rajasthan-pp-reconstituted-with-a-mission-to-strengthen-national-integration/|title=Rajasthan PP reconstituted with a mission to strengthen National Integration|website=Brighter Kashmir|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref> Panthers Party branch in the south Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/npp-pleads-for-one-flag-from-kanyakumari-to-kashmir/|title=NPP pleads for one flag from Kanyakumari to Kashmir|date=28 October 2016|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tnnpp.in|title=National Panthers Party of Tamil Nadu|website=tnnpp.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218063453/http://tnnpp.in/|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=dead|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref> is led by state president Naresh Ambedkar.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.greaterjammu.com/2016/20161026/epaper/3.pdf|title=Bhim Singh to attend J&K Accession Day function at Kanyakumari|date=26 October 2016|newspaper=Greater Jammu|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218063624/http://www.greaterjammu.com/2016/20161026/epaper/3.pdf|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2017, [[Qatar]]'s state-funded [[Al Jazeera]], and [[Turkey]]'s state-run [[Anadolu Agency]], labelled the Panthers Party as a right-wing [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu nationalist]] political party,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/hindu-party-targets-rohingya-in-jammu-kashmir-campaign/744178|title=Hindu party targets Rohingya in Jammu-Kashmir campaign|last=Rafiq|first=Zahid|website=Anadolu Agency|access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref> for its billboard poster campaign, calling for an expulsion of Burmese Rohingya Muslim refugees from [[Jammu Division|Jammu]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/106280/jammu-rohingya-muslim-myanmar-refugee/|title=In Strident Campaign, Jammu Politicians Target Rohingya Muslim Refugees|last=Kaur|first=Nehmat|website=The Wire|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://scroll.in/latest/828721/posters-come-up-in-jammu-asking-rohingya-muslims-and-bangladeshis-to-leave|title=Posters come up in Jammu asking Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshis to leave|newspaper=Scroll.in|access-date=2017-02-11|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/2017feb04/404057.html|title=Jammu goes Trump way; political party puts hoardings asking Muslim refugees to leave|last=Hameed Naik|first=Raqib|website=[[Two Circles]]|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-12}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===
The party was founded by Bhim Singh in 1982 as a split from the [[Indian National Congress]]. At the time, Bhim Singh was a member of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly]] with the Congress party. Bhim Singh had differences with the Congress party's alliance with the [[Jammu & Kashmir National Conference|National Conference]] party of [[Sheikh Abdullah]]. In particular, the Panther's Party was founded in reaction to Sheikh Abdullah's Resettlement Act.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = South Asia Mail|url = http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=110111|website = www.southasiamail.com|access-date = 2015-10-03|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151005030734/http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=110111|archive-date = 5 October 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason=what differences?|date=November 2016}}

The manifesto of the party focused on secular, nationalist and democratic principles, while seeking to respect the diversity of cultures and religions in the state including [[Ladakh]], [[Jammu district|Jammu]] and [[Kashmir]].

A month after its formation, in April 1982, the name of the party was questioned in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by Chief Minister, Sheikh Abdullah who had asked "Bhim Singh you were all right as a human being. Why you chose to be an animal?" Prof. Bhim Singh had then responded that "the people of State were terrorized by a big animal, known as ''Sher-e-Kashmir'' ''(Lion of Kashmir was Abdullah's nickname)''. They needed safety and protection from that lion. It was necessary to become an animal (Panther) to resist the lion."<ref name=":0" />

=== J&K general elections, 1983 ===
On its formation in the [[1983 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election]]s the Panther's Party contested 50 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Panthers Party won only one seat, that of party founder Bhim Singh. He retained his seat with 7,690 votes (34.37%), a slender margin of 262 votes over his Congress Party rival.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1983|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTION, 1983 TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1983/StatisticalReport_JK_1983.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=62}}</ref> In reaction to his split from Congress, its ruling [[Nehru–Gandhi family|Nehru-Gandhi]] dynasty, had given Bhim Singh stiff opposition in his constituency of [[Chenani]]-Ghordi.<ref name=":0" />

In the neighbouring constituency of [[Udhampur]], Panthers Party co-founder [[Jay Mala]], placed third against sixteen other male candidates with 3,768 votes (13.75%), and polled the second most votes amongst all women candidates in the 1983 J&K general elections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/SR_KeyHighLights/SE_1983/StatisticalReport_JK_1983.pdf|title=Key Highlights of General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir|publisher=Election Commission of India|page=8|access-date=2016-12-20}}</ref> She was one of only seven female candidates that contested out of a total 512 candidates.

=== Indian general elections, 1984 ===
Bhim Singh stood in the [[1984 Indian general election|1984 general elections]] for Indian parliament, from the [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur constituency]]. He came second, to the [[Indian National Congress]] from which he had recently split to form the Panthers Party. He received 95,149 votes (26.24%).<ref>{{Cite journal|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1984|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1984/Vol_I_LS_84.pdf|journal=National and State Abstracts & Detailed Results|pages=38|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718184911/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1984/Vol_I_LS_84.pdf|archive-date=18 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Bhim Singh, MLA v. State of Jammu and Kashmir, 1985 ===
On 17 August 1985 Bhim Singh was suspended from the opening of the budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that was scheduled for 11 September. He subsequently challenged the suspension in the [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]]. After his suspension was stayed by High Court on 9 September, Bhim Singh was illegally detained and arrested by the police en route to Srinagar. After attempts to locate him proved futile his wife and advocate Jay Mala then moved the court to locate Bhim Singh. The court ruled that there "certainly was a gross violation of Shri Bhim Singh's constitutional rights" and condemned the "authoritarian acts of the police." The judges stated that they were in no doubt that the top levels of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir where ultimately responsible.<ref>''Bhim Singh, MLA vs State Of J&K And Ors''. (Supreme Court 22 November 1985) ("There certainly was a gross violation of Shri Bhim Singh's constitutional rights under Articles 21 and 22(2).") [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1227505/ Full Text]</ref>

The Supreme Court in a landmark judgement that impacted tort law in India, awarded Bhim Singh a compensation of fifty thousands [[rupees]] for his illegal detention and false imprisonment by the police.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bhim-singh-seeks-damages-from-pathak-panel/3620/2e|title=Bhim Singh seeks damages from Pathak panel|last=Khosa|first=Aasha|date=2 May 2006|work=[[The Indian Express]]|publisher=[[The Indian Express Group]]|access-date=17 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/jurisprudence/trespass-to-person.php|title=Trespass to person {{!}} Law Teacher|access-date=2015-09-26}}</ref> Bhim Singh had left jail with a fractured leg and claimed during his false imprisonment the police and state agencies had made an attempt on his life.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.kashmirlife.net/devils-advocate-95751/|title=Devil's Advocate|last=Handoo|first=Bilal|date=3 February 2016|work=[[Kashmir Life]]|access-date=8 September 2016}}</ref>

=== J&K general elections, 1987 ===
Panthers Party in the [[1987 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|1987 J&K general elections]], contested 21 out of 76 seats for the legislative assembly. They lost in all constituencies, and received a total of 46,043 votes (6.85%) across the seats they contested.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1987|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTION, 1987 TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1987/StatisticalReport_jk_87.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi}}</ref>

Thakur Dass Chantora was runner-up from Chenani-Ghordi, with 10,462 votes (36.99%). Sat Pal was runner-up from Marh, with 11,818 votes (35.97%). Girdhari Lal was runner-up from Ramnagar, with 6,807 votes (27.95%). Bhim Singh came in third from [[Reasi]], with 5,534 votes (16.73%).

Bhim Singh accused Farooq Abdullah's government of rigging the elections,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/bhim-accuses-coalition-of-rigging-lc-polls/|title=Bhim accuses 'Coalition' of rigging LC polls|newspaper=Daily Excelsior}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/07/10/stories/13100831.htm|title=J&K situation: the genesis and the resolution|last=Singh|first=Bhim|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2001-07-10|access-date=14 February 2017}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> which led to [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]] and the [[ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus]].

=== Udhampur MP By-Election, 1988 ===
At the conclusion of the count on 19 June 1988, Panthers Party leader, Bhim Singh was announced as the winner of the Udhampur by-election by 32,000 votes.  However, the Union Home Minister of India, [[Buta Singh]] had dispatched Dr. Bhalla, Secretary of the Election Commission by a Home Ministry aircraft to Jammu. Dr. Bhalla ordered the Returning Officer, S.P. Kazal to refer the count result to the Election Commission of India in New Delhi. On 25 June 1988 Peri Shastri the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi declared the Congress Party candidate Mohd. Ayub Khan instead as the winner by 2,376 votes.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aXM8omc0rakC&q=khan+bhim+singh+congress+party&pg=PA282|title=Politics of Election Reforms in India|last=Chopra|first=Joginder Kumar|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=1989|isbn=817099103X|location=Delhi|pages=282}}</ref> The Returning Officer was later found to have committed suicide with no known motive.<ref name=":12">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XMhlUFqCn_sC|title=Murder of Democracy in Jammu and Kashmir|last=Singh|first=Bhim|publisher=Har-Anand Publications PVT LTD|year=2002|isbn=9788124108642|location=New Delhi|pages=27–30}}</ref>

Bhim Singh filed a review petition against the order of the Election Commission of India, stating the declared result was rigged at the instance of Rajiv Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah, leaders of the ruling coalition parties. Atal Behari Vajpayee joined Bhim Singh on hunger strike in front of the Election Commission offices in protest to the vote rigging.<ref name=":2" /> The Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled in favour of Bhim Singh, however when Justice K.K. Gupta delivered the judgement four years later on 15 October 1992, the relevant session of parliament stood dissolved already.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kashmirtimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=31596|title=Bhim meets CEC, demands re-poll in Udhampur|date=24 April 2014|work=Kashmir Times|access-date=21 September 2016}}</ref>

Bhim Singh later wrote in his book, ''Murder of Democracy in Jammu and Kashmir'', that he had intervened to pacify a crowd of his supporters at the time, despite it costing him the result. As he feared an outbreak of violence at the count venue could have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, by the heavily armed police present there, due to an escalation of the [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name=":12" />

=== Indian general elections, 1989 & 1991 ===
With his court battle still ensuing against the Election Commission over the rigging of the previous election, Bhim Singh contested again for the Panthers Party, from Udhampur in the [[1989 Indian general election]]s. He polled fourth, with 22,625 votes (7.23%).<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1989|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1989|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1989/Vol_I_LS_89.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=183}}</ref>

In the [[1991 Indian general election]]s, Panthers Party contested two seats from National Capital Territory of Delhi, in protest to the 1991 [[Hawala scandal]], that broke out after an arrest of Kashmiri militants revealed evidence of money corruption by senior Indian politicians, including leader of the opposition, L. K. Advani.

Bhim Singh contested against BJP leader, [[L. K. Advani]] in New Delhi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/panthers-founder-bhim-singh-files-nomination-from-udhampur/story-4PZND4epL4DPaboFhiYxlN.html|title=Panthers founder Bhim Singh files nomination from Udhampur|date=2014-03-24|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=2017-02-14|language=en|quote=Singh also contested Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi, with LK Advani and Rajesh Khanna in opposition, and lost badly.}}</ref> He came sixth out of 63 candidates, with 396 votes (0.18%). Ishwar Chand contested for the Panthers Party from South Delhi, against the BJP's [[Madan Lal Khurana]]. Chand came 26th out of 74 candidates with 191 votes (0.05%).<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1991|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1991 TO THE TENTH LOK SABHA|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1991/VOL_I_91.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=314, 316}}</ref>

=== Indian general elections, 1996 ===
The Panthers Party in the [[1996 Indian general election]] contested five out of the six parliamentary seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Panthers Party candidates were Dil Jeet Singh in [[Baramulla (Lok Sabha constituency)|Baramulla]], Mohammad Akbar in [[Srinagar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Srinagar]], Mohamad Yousf Ganai in [[Anantnag (Lok Sabha constituency)|Anantnag]], Navin Baksi in [[Jammu (Lok Sabha constituency)|Jammu]], and Bhim Singh in [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur]].

Collectively the Panthers Party received a total of 99,599 votes (5.05%) across the seats contested.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1996|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1996|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1996/Vol_I_LS_96.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=101, 273, 274, 275}}</ref>

=== J&K general elections, 1996 ===
Panthers Party defeated the Election Commission in the Supreme Court of India,<ref name=":6" /> forcing it to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by order of chief justice [[J. S. Verma]].<ref name=":2" /> Democratic elections had not been held for nine years, with the state placed under the Indian [[President's rule]], due to a break down in law and order resultant from the terrorist insurgency.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thevoiceofmillions.com/tributes-to-justice-j-s-verma-who-brought-back-democracy-in-kashmir/|title=Tributes to Justice J.S. Verma who brought back democracy in Kashmir|website=Voice of Millions|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-14}}</ref>

Panthers Party contested 45 out of 87 seats in the 1996 J&K general election. It received a total of 55,885 votes (4.33%) across the seats it contested.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1996|title=KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF GENERAL ELECTION, 1996 TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/SR_KeyHighLights/SE_1996/StatisticalReport_JK96.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi}}</ref> Harsh Dev Singh won from Ramnagar with 9,049 votes (24.56%).<ref>{{Cite journal|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTION, 1996 TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR|url=http://documents.gov.in/JK/9131.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=198}}</ref>

=== Indian general elections, 1998 & 1999 ===
Panthers Party in the [[1998 Indian general election]]s contested eight seats in [[Maharashtra]], Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The party received a total of 24,638 votes (0.59%) across the seats they contested.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1998|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1998 TO THE 12th LOK SABHA|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1998/Vol_I_LS_98.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=107}}</ref>

In the [[1999 Indian general election]]s held a few months after the [[Kargil War|Kargil war]], the party contested from four constituencies in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, and received a total of 15,888 votes (1.38%) across the seats they contested.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1999|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1999 TO THE THIRTEENTH LOK SABHA|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1999/Vol_I_LS_99.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=105}}</ref>

=== Jammu and Kashmir state assembly 2002-2008 ===
In the [[2002 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|2002 Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections]], Panthers Party stood candidates in 36 out of 87 seats, gaining a total of 101,830 votes (7.24%) across the seats they contested. The party won in four constituencies, which included all three seats in the [[Udhampur district]].

[[Udhampur]] was won by Balwant Singh with 24,679 votes (40.39%). [[Chenani]] was won by SH Faquir Nath with 17,118 votes (37.42%) and [[Ramnagar, Udhampur|Ramnagar]] by Harsh Dev Singh 29,914 votes (50.40%). [[Samba, Jammu|Samba]] was won by [[Yash Paul Kundal]] with 11,079 votes (25.31%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2002/StatRep_JK_02.pdf|title=Statistical Report on General Election 2002 to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir|website=Election Commission of India|access-date=2 November 2016}}</ref>

[[Harsh Dev Singh]] served as the education minister in the coalition government,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/16/stories/2003021603591100.htm|title=English will be medium of instruction in Govt. schools|date=16 February 2003|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2016-11-02}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> under his tenure as minister, English was made a compulsory language from first grade in state schools.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/16/stories/2003021603591100.htm|title=English will be medium of instruction in Govt. schools|date=16 February 2003|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2017-01-01}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Yash Paul became the minister of animal and sheep husbandry. Panthers Party leader, Bhim Singh became member of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/21/stories/2004082102060900.htm|title=Other States / Jammu & Kashmir News : Kashmir women oppose 'move' to amend Bill|date=21 August 2004|access-date=2017-01-06|last1=Puri|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|first1=Luv}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2007, Bhim Singh withdrew support to the Congress Party lead coalition, citing differences with the Peoples Democratic Party. The government fell soon after when the PDP itself withdrew their support from the Congress Party during the Amarnath land transfer controversy, placing the state under direct rule of the Indian central government for a few month prior to the [[2008 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|Jammu and Kashmir state assembly elections, 2008]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/panthers-party-withdraws-support-to-jk-coalition/33871/1|title=Panthers Party withdraws support to J-K coalition|website=Indian Express|access-date=2016-11-02}}</ref>

=== Indian general elections, 2004 ===
In the [[2004 Indian general election]]s, the Panthers Party fielded seven candidates from Jammu and Kashmir, [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and Delhi. Ravinder Kumar Jassi stood for the party in [[Ludhiana (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ludhiana]], Ved Prakash in [[New Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|New Delhi]], R. Ravicandran in [[South Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|South Delhi]], Syed Mohammed Shah in Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad in Srinagar, Kuldeep Singh in Jammu, and Bhim Singh in Udhampur.

The party received 70,078 votes (2.00%), across the seats contested.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=2004|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 2004|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_2004/Vol_I_LS_2004.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=111}}</ref>

=== Protests as opposition in state assembly 2008-2014 ===
In the 2008 J&K general elections, Panthers Party contested 73 out of 87 seats, and received a total of 131,944 votes (3.33%).<ref>{{Cite journal|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTION, 2008 TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/AE2008/stats_report_JK2008.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi|pages=8}}</ref> They retained three seats in the legislative assembly, and formed part of a fragmented opposition along with the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] and PDP.

While in opposition they led a series of theatrical protests. In March 2013, Balwant Singh climbed onto his seat and hurled his microphone across the assembly house, leading a protest with the BJP. He demanded a resolution against Pakistan who had condemned India's hanging of Parliament attack terrorist [[Afzal Guru]].<ref>{{Citation|last=ibnnewslive007|author-link=CNN-News18|title=J&K Assembly BJP, Panthers Party MLAs protest against Pak resolution|date=2013-03-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP08DWRKiqQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/BP08DWRKiqQ |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The month after in April 2013, Balwant joined another opposition disruption in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly condemning the death of Indian prisoner Chamel Singh in a Pakistani jail who had been allegedly tortured before his death.<ref>{{Citation|last=New Tang Dynasty Television|author-link=New Tang Dynasty Television|title=Politicians Denounce Death of Indian Farmer Imprisoned in Pakistan|date=2013-04-03|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIk9JzAYrz4&t=1m31s|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref>

In May 2013, Panthers Party held another protest in the assembly demanding that chief minister [[Omar Abdullah]] resign, claiming his order was responsible for the deaths of five [[Central Reserve Police Force]] personnel in Srinagar.<ref>{{Citation|last=Headlines Today|title=Panthers party demands resignation of J&K chief minister|date=2013-03-14|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsEuyvjpmlA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/AsEuyvjpmlA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Harsh Dev Singh led a walk out protest in October 2013 from the assembly house with the BJP.<ref>{{Citation|last=Kashmir Monitor|title=Panthers party supported by BJP protested and walked out of JK Assembly|date=2013-10-06|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rj8W30vjh4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/7Rj8W30vjh4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref> They had wanted the Ganaie Committee Report scrapped.

Balwant Singh lead protesters in violent clashes with armed police in his constituency of Udhampur on 16 August 2014.<ref>{{Citation|last=Headlines Today|title=J&K: Panthers Party clashes with cops in Udhampur about Railway Recruitment|date=2014-08-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2bvnmC-0A |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/I_2bvnmC-0A |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref> They were protesting against what they claimed was discrimination against youth from Jammu in favor of people from the Kashmir valley in regards to employment opportunities with the Railway Police.

On 24 August 2014 Speaker of the House, [[Mubarak Gul]] ordered security guards to forcibly evict Balwant Singh from the assembly when he disturbed proceedings against a bill by Omar Abdullah that had urged India to resume dialogue with Pakistan,<ref>{{Citation|last=NewsX|author-link=NewsX|title='Treacherous' resolution passed by Jammu and Kashmir assembly|date=2014-08-27|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmFhivqYFQw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/gmFhivqYFQw |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref> instead Balwant wearing a black bandana hawkishly demanded that the assembly condemn ceasefire violations by Pakistan, claiming they were leading to deaths of innocent villagers.<ref>{{Citation|last=TIMES NOW|title=Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly|date=2014-08-25|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCwOf1l9s4Y |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/lCwOf1l9s4Y |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

A few days later on 28 August, Harsh Dev Singh lead protests disturbing proceedings in the assembly house with placards demanding that the word secular be inserted into the [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir|Jammu and Kashmir constitution]] to bring it to parity with the [[Constitution of India]].<ref>{{Citation|last=Headlines Today|title=Panther party MLAs disrupt house in Jammu and Kashmir assembly|date=2014-08-28|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FoqW11I4do|access-date=2016-12-20}}</ref> In the protest they also claimed that the BJP who had recently come into power in the Indian national government in May 2014 were destroying the secular fabric of the country.

In October 2014, party leader Bhim Singh heavily criticized BJP leader [[Narendra Modi]]'s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, stating he was not "able to play the role of the prime minister," and on his visit should have first met terrorism effected people as opposed to those effected by the recent [[2014 Kashmir Floods|2014 Kashmir floods]].<ref>{{Citation|last=NNIS - News|title=Panthers Party Raps Modi's Kashmir Visit|date=2014-10-23|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBbCdbuv7eU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/XBbCdbuv7eU |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In November 2014, he condemned the BJP as a party of "shop keepers" run from [[Nagpur]] by [[Hindu]] [[paramilitary]] group [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]].<ref>{{Citation|last=NNIS - News|title=Hindustan's Govt Does Not Run From Delhi Bhim Singh|date=2014-11-06|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8V8ipp5_bc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/L8V8ipp5_bc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2016-12-20}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Next month in December, the Panthers party lost all their seats in the [[2014 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election]]s.<ref name=":3" />

[[Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah]] remained as the sole Panthers Party representative in government until March 2015, as a Member of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-02-17/news/59232706_1_kashmir-legislative-council-devender-singh-rana-ramesh-arora|title=BJP announces candidates for five Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council seats|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-01-06}}</ref> Earlier in April 2013, Shah had been marshalled out of the upper house after creating a ruckus in protest to discrimination against [[Urdu]], an official state language. During his protest he highlighted news reports that a government official from the [[Doda district]] had refused to place signs in the Urdu language.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/jknpp-mlc-marshaled-out-amid-ruckus-in-lc-113040500243_1.html|title=JKNPP MLC marshaled out amid ruckus in LC|date=2013-04-05|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=2017-01-06}}</ref>

=== Indian general elections, 2009 ===
The Panthers Party contested ten seats across [[Rajasthan]], Punjab, [[Haryana]], Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir in the [[2009 Indian general election]]s. The party candidates were Mohammad Iqbal Jan in Baramulla, Bhim Singh in Udhampur, Gurinder Singh Sood in Ludhiana, Vijendra Singh in [[Churu (Lok Sabha constituency)|Churu]], Shiv Kumar in [[Alwar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Alwar]], Om Prakash in [[Tonk-Sawai Madhopur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tonk-Sawai Madhopur]], Gurdan Singh in [[Jodhpur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Jodhpur]], Harsh Malhotra in Delhi, Raj Kumar Nagar in [[Sirsa (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sirsa]], and Ramesh Kumar in [[Gurgaon (Lok Sabha constituency)|Gurgaon]].<ref>{{Cite journal|year=2009|title=CONSTITUENCY WISE DETAILED RESULTS|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India, General Elections, 2009 (15th LOK SABHA)}}</ref>

The Panthers Party received a total of 87,502 votes across the ten seats, losing each election.

=== Condemnation of Israel's attack on Gaza flotilla, 2010 ===
The Panthers Party strongly condemned Israel's actions in the [[Gaza flotilla raid]],<ref name=":4" /> during which nine activists carrying humanitarian aid for Palestine were killed by Israeli armed forces. [[Balwant Singh Mankotia]], Panthers state president accused Israel of religious suppression at the time, as residents of Ramallah, Anata, Hebron and Jericho were denied from offering prayers at [[Al-Aqsa Mosque]]. Balwant Singh in reaction to the incident said "Israel should pullout its troops from Palestine and lift all barricades," as he believed that "the settlement of Jewish community in Occupied Palestine is a grave threat to international peace and security."<ref name=":5" />

The party at the time had called on the Indian central government to support the sovereign statehood of Palestine both in and outside the UN, stating that the USA and Israel were in violation of UN [[Resolution 181]].

=== Indian general elections, 2014 ===
In the [[2014 Indian general election]]s, Panthers Party fielded 13 candidates in Delhi, Punjab, [[Bihar]], and Jammu and Kashmir. Syed Mohammed Shah in Baramulla, Mohammad Maqbool Malik in Srinagar, Syed Abid Ahmad Shah in Anantnag, Bhim Singh in Udhampur, Hari Chand Jalmeria in Jammu, Kishan Kumar Sharma in Ludhiana, Lakhvir Singh in [[Fatehgarh Sahib (Lok Sabha constituency)|Fatehgarh Sahib]], Shaminder Singh in [[Bathinda (Lok Sabha constituency)|Bathinda]], Mohammad Hasnan Khan in [[North East Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|North East Delhi]], Jai Ram Lal in East Delhi, Sunita Chaudhary in New Delhi, Mohan Kanuga in [[South Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|South Delhi]], Moqim Ansari in [[Purvi Champaran (Lok Sabha constituency)|Purvi Champaran]].<ref>{{Cite journal|year=2014|title=CONSTITUENCY WISE DETAILED RESULTS|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2014/33%20-%20Constituency%20wise%20detailed%20result.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India, General Elections, 2014}}</ref>

They received a total of 57,103 votes across the 13 seats. They lost each election, and saved five deposits.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=2014|title=PERFORMANCE OF REGISTERED (UNRECOGNISED) PARTIES|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2014/22%20-%20Performance%20of%20Registered%20Unrecognised%20Parties.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India, General Elections, 2014}}</ref>

=== J&K general elections, 2014 ===
In the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir general elections, the Panthers Party contested 60 out of 87 seats. They lost all their three MLA seats, and 56 deposits polling a total of 95,941 votes (1.99%).<ref>{{Cite journal|year=2014|title=STATISTICAL REPORT ON GENERAL ELECTION, 2014 TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF Jammu & Kashmir|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/AE2014/Stat-Report-J&K-2014.pdf|journal=Election Commission of India New Delhi}}</ref> It was the first time in 18 years that the Panthers Party had no elected representative in the J&K legislative assembly.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://post.jagran.com/JKNPP-routed-in-JK-Assembly-polls-1419351107|title=JKNPP routed in J&K Assembly polls|newspaper=[[Dainik Jagran]]|access-date=2017-02-14}}</ref>

=== Demand for President's Rule 2016 ===
In reaction to the escalating violence and blindings from anti-riot pellet guns in the valley during the [[2016 Kashmir unrest|2016 Kashmir Unrest]], the Panthers Party through the Supreme Court of India had attempted to dissolve the government by imposition of [[Governor's rule]].{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} On 22 August, while the court denied the party's attempt, it ordered the solicitor general to arrange a meeting between the Panthers Party leader, Bhim Singh and Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] to discuss the issue.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/GXR9IFeGpgoMjFkKpoZvpK/Jammu-and-Kashmir-unrest-cannot-be-dealt-with-by-courts-Sup.html|title=Jammu and Kashmir unrest cannot be dealt with by courts: Supreme Court|last=Vishwanath|first=Apurva|date=23 August 2016|newspaper=Live Mint|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/kashmir-issue-can-be-resolved-politically-not-judicially-supreme-court-2990645/|title=Kashmir issue can be resolved politically, not judicially: Supreme Court|date=2016-08-22|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref> During the case Bhim Singh had stated that "pellet guns from Israel are used against the Kashmiris. This is a crime."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/supreme-court-promises-all-help-to-kashmiris-seeks-report/articleshow/53460131.cms|title=Supreme Court promises all help to Kashmiris, seeks report|date=30 July 2016|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref> Three days later, Home Minister of India, [[Rajnath Singh]] traveled to Kashmir and met with a three-member delegation of the Panthers Party promising to end the use of pellet guns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/no-more-pellet-guns-so-chilli.html|title=No more pellet guns, so chill(i)!|date=26 August 2016|website=Daily Pioneer|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref> On 19 September, Bhim Singh meet Narendra Modi for the first time since the latter had become Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://u4uvoice.com/bhim-singh-meets-pm-modi-first-time-as-indian-prime-minister/|title=Bhim Singh meets PM Modi first time as Indian Prime Minister|date=20 September 2016|website=U4U Voice|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref> A day after, the Supreme Court asked its Registry to consider listing Bhim Singh's second demand for President's rule for an earlier hearing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.india.com/news/india/supreme-court-for-early-hearing-of-pil-seeking-governors-rule-in-jammu-and-kashmir-1504238/|title=Supreme Court for early hearing of PIL seeking Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir|date=2016-09-21|newspaper=India|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/president-s-rule-only-solution-to-kashmir-unrest-npp-116090300291_1.html|title=President's rule only solution to Kashmir unrest: NPP|last=ANI|date=2016-09-03|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref>

=== Farooq Abdullah Guest of Honor at 39th Panthers Party Anniversary Event 2021 ===
On 23 March 2021, [[Farooq Abdullah]], former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir was the surprise guest of honor and main speaker at the Panthers Party's 39th anniversary event in Jammu's Dogra Hall,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-23|title=Farooq shares stage with Congress, JKNPP, Dogra leaders; fuels speculations about united front against BJP|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/latest-news/farooq-shares-stage-with-congress-jknpp-dogra-leaders-fuels-speculations-about-united-front-against-bjp/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=Greater Kashmir|language=en-US}}</ref> and shared the stage with Prof. Bhim Singh and former minister [[Harsh Dev Singh]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=Congress leaders need to stand up to challenges instead of staying at homes: Farooq Abdullah|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/mar/24/congress-leaders-need-to-stand-up-to-challenges-instead-of-staying-athomes-farooq-abdullah-2280598.html|access-date=2021-05-25|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-03-23|title=Farooq makes appearance at NPP's function, asks all parties to fight jointly for justice|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/farooq-makes-appearance-at-npps-function-asks-all-parties-to-fight-jointly-for-justice/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Jammu Kashmir Latest News {{!}} Tourism {{!}} Breaking News J&K|language=en-US}}</ref> Previously, Panthers Party had stood in fierce opposition to Farooq Abdullah, and his father [[Sheikh Abdullah|Sheik Abdullah]] for nearly four decades. Abdullah had been detained under house arrest for 220 days in the previous year, after the Government of India [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]], and Prof. Bhim Singh had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India in February 2020, demanding Farooq Abdullah's release, as well as the release of his son [[Omar Abdullah]] and 600 other political activists who had been detained for six months.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Tribune News|title=Bhim Singh files plea in SC on PSA|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/bhim-singh-files-plea-in-sc-on-psa-41283|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}}</ref> Prof. Bhim Singh aged 79, had also just returned to active leadership when he was elected President of the Panthers Party the month before on 14 February 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bhim Singh elected JKNPP President: His message to all for haq & insaaf|url=https://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/regional-news-details/1376|access-date=2021-05-26|website=www.pakistanchristianpost.com|language=en}}</ref> when his nephew [[Balwant Singh Mankotia]] resigned from the post citing family issues.<ref>{{Cite web|title=JKNPP president Balwant Singh Mankotia resigns from party membership|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/feb/10/jknpp-president-balwant-singh-mankotia-resigns-from-party-membership-2262131.html|access-date=2021-05-26|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

Prior to being elected President of the Panthers Party, Prof. Bhim Singh was briefly expelled from the Panthers Party by his nephew and party chairman Harsh Dev Singh in Nov 2020, when he had met with Farooq Abdullah at his residence and the rest of the [[People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration|Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration]] in [[Srinagar]], Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Bhim Singh's removal from post of NPP patron 'unfortunate': Omar Abdullah|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/bhim-singhs-removal-from-post-of-npp-patron-unfortunate-omar-abdullah-167940|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}}</ref>

At the Panther Party event, Abdullah had commented that the "[[Indian National Congress|Congress]] which is a national level party has become weak", and that the recent division and removal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status was "an attack on our honour." In reference to Prof. Bhim Singh and Harsh Dev Singh, Abdullah hoped that "these lions will stand up to the challenge posed by the divisive forces."<ref name=":7" />

=== Bulgari Hotel London Incident 2021 ===
Following a fight and dispute with a Pakistani businessman in relation to the [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ankit Love]] was removed by [[London Metropolitan police|London metropolitan police]] from the [[Bulgari Hotel and Residences|Bulgari Hotel & Residencies]],<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=Bharati|first=King|title=Ankit Love Escorted out of Bulgari Hotel by Met Police, following Bust up with Pakistani Businessman|url=https://thegypsy.in/ankit-love-escorted-out-of-bulgari-hotel-by-met-police-following-bust-up-with-pakistani-businessman/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-11|website=The Gypsy|language=en-US}}</ref> one of the most expensive apartment buildings in the world, where in 2012 an apartment sold for $157 million (INR 1200 crore).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-01-05|title=Knightsbridge Penthouse in Bulgari Development Sells for $157 Million|url=https://hauteliving.com/2012/01/knightsbridge-penthouse-in-bulgari-development-sells-for-157-million/239071/|access-date=2021-12-11|website=Haute Living|language=en-US}}</ref> Love had been invited to the hotel as a guest by Ariana Ghani, niece of then president of [[Afghanistan]] [[Ashraf Ghani]] in July 2021,<ref name=":8" /> just a month prior to the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Fall of Kabul]] to the [[Taliban]].

==References ==
{{Reflist}}{{Indian political parties}}

[[Category:Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party| ]]
[[Category:State political parties in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Recognised state political parties in India]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1982]]
[[Category:1982 establishments in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Organizations that oppose LGBT rights]]