PDP nominee Asiya to challenge Dr Farooq in Hazratbal seat

Srinagar, Nov 16 (UNI) Asiya Naqash, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominee will contest against National Conference (NC) patron and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah from Hazratbal constituency, going to polls in the last phase of elections on December 24.

A spokesman of the PDP, releasing another list of candidates, said the party patron Mehbooba Mufti on the recommendation of Parliamentary Affairs committee, approved the name of Asiya Naqash against Dr Farooq.

The Hazratbal constituency was held by the NC candidate Mohammad Sayeed Akhoon.

Dr Abdullah, chief ministerial candidate of the NC, who did not contest 2002 elections, shifted from his strong hold Ganderbal constituency to Hazratbal. However, his son Omar Abdullah, who unsuccessfully contested from Ganderbal in 2002, is again trying his luck from the same seat this time.

The PDP spokesman said the other candidates confirmed by Ms Mehbooba included Ghulam Qadir Pardesi for Sonawar, Shahjahan Dar for Zadibal, Haji Parvez Ahmad for Amirakadal assembly segments.

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