J&K Elections 2024: Key Players And Constituencies Ahead of September 25 Polling

In the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, over 15,500 displaced Kashmiri Pandit voters are set to cast their votes in the critical second phase. This phase, slated for September 25, covers 26 assembly constituencies across six districts of the Union Territory. It marks a significant moment for 239 candidates vying for positions in the assembly, including prominent figures such as Omar Abdullah, BJP's Ravinder Raina, and Apni party president Altaf Bukhari.

The focus on displaced Kashmiri Pandits highlights the inclusive efforts to ensure their participation in the democratic process. These voters, primarily residing outside their home constituencies due to displacement, are provided with 24 polling stations to exercise their franchise. Notably, a significant portion, over 14,700 of these voters, are registered in Jammu, where 19 polling stations have been set up specifically for them.

The second phase encompasses vital constituencies such as Nowshera, Central-Shalteng, Ganderbal, and Budhal. Among these, the Nowshera assembly seat, contested by BJP chief Ravinder Raina, and the Central-Shalteng seat, where Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra is a key candidate, are particularly noteworthy. Other notable candidates include former ministers Ali Sagar and Rahim Rather, as well as BJP's Choudhary Zulfikar and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari.

A detailed look at the distribution of candidates across districts underscores the election's competitive nature. Srinagar district, with eight Assembly segments, sees a whopping 93 candidates in the fray. Budgam district follows with 46 candidates contesting five seats. In Rajouri district, 34 candidates are competing for five seats, while Poonch district has 25 candidates for its three seats. Ganderbal and Reasi districts also show a robust contest with 21 and 20 candidates, respectively, vying for seats.

Srinagar District:

Chanpora Constituency: Triangular contest among Altaf Bukhari (JK Apni Party), Mushtaq Guroo (National Conference), and Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo (People's Democratic Party).

Zadibal: Tanvir Sadiq (National Conference) versus Abid Hussain Ansari (People's Conference).

Lal Chowk: Ahsan Pardesi (National Conference) faces Mohammad Ashraf Mir (JK Apni Party) and Engineer Ajaz (BJP).

Habba Kadal: Shameema Firdous (National Conference) competes against Ashok Bhat (BJP) and Arif Laigroo (PDP).

Central Shalteng: Tariq Hameed Karra (Congress) goes up against Abdul Qayoom Bhat (PDP).

Khanyar: Ali Mohammad Sagar (National Conference) versus Sheikh Imran (Independent, former Deputy Mayor of SMC) and Tafazul Mushtaq (PDP).

Hazratbal: Salman Sagar (National Conference) and Asiya Naqash (PDP).

Eidgah: Mubarak Gul (National Conference) competes against Khursheed Alam (PDP).

Ganderbal District:

Ganderbal: Omar Abdullah faces Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar.

Kangan (ST): Mian Mehr Ali (National Conference) versus Syed Jamaat Ali Shah Shaheen (PDP).

Budgam District:

Budgam: Omar Abdullah (National Conference) takes on Aga Syed Muntazir (PDP).

Beerwah: Gulam Ahmad Khan (PDP) faces Shafi Ahmad Wani (National Conference) and Sarjan Barkati.

Charar-e-Sharief: Ghulam Nabi Hanjura (JKPDP) competes against Abdul Rahim Rather (JKNC) and Hakim Yaseen (chairperson, Peoples Democratic Front).

With more than 25.78 lakh voters participating, the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election is a pivotal event in determining the region's political landscape. The inclusion of displaced Kashmiri Pandit voters in this democratic exercise speaks volumes about the efforts to ensure a comprehensive electoral process.