Arun Jasrotia
Srinagar,TDD:- The campaign for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has come to a halt as of Monday evening, September 16, 2024. All eyes are now on September 18, when voting will take place across 24 constituencies in the region. This marks the beginning of a significant electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, with major political parties such as the BJP, PDP, National Conference, and Congress fielding their candidates alongside several smaller parties and independent contenders.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections of 2024 are witnessing intense competition across various constituencies. In Pampore, a three-way contest is unfolding between Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference, Syed Shaukat Andrabi of the BJP, and Waheed-ur-Rahman Para of the PDP. Tral sees Surinder Channi from Congress facing Rafiq Ahmad Naik of PDP. Pulwama constituency has Mohammad Khalil Bandh of National Conference competing against Waheed Para of PDP. Rajpora is experiencing a triangular fight between Ghulam Mir (National Conference), Arshid Bhat (BJP), and Syed Bashir Ahmad (PDP). In Shopian, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi (National Conference) is contesting against Javed Ahmad Qadri (BJP) and Yavar Bandi (PDP).
Other notable contests include D.H. Pora, where Sakina Ittoo is facing Gulzar Ahmad Dar of PDP, and Kulgam, where Mohammad Yousuf of CPI(M) is competing against Mohammad Amin Dar of PDP. The Anantnag West seat sees Abdul Majeed Larmi (National Conference) facing Mohammad Rafiq Wani (BJP), while Anantnag constituency has a three-way battle between Peerzada Mohammad Syed (Congress), Syed Wajahat (BJP), and Mehboob Beg (PDP). In Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Bashir Ahmad Veeri (National Conference) is contesting against Sofi Yousuf (BJP) and Iltija Mufti (PDP), daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
The elections also cover constituencies in Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, and Banihal, featuring candidates from major parties like National Conference, BJP, and Congress. These contests highlight the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, with alliances and rivalries shaping the electoral battlefield across the region.
This election sees an alliance between the National Conference and Congress, with the former contesting most of the 24 seats in this phase. The BJP is contesting 16 seats, while the PDP has also fielded candidates in several constituencies. Adding to the electoral mix are 89 independent candidates, posing a significant challenge to the established parties.
A point of interest is the candidacy of Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who is testing her political fortunes in this phase. As the region prepares for this crucial democratic exercise, the outcome of these elections is eagerly anticipated, potentially shaping the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. TDD
