From Ravinder Raina and Altaf Bukhari to Tariq Hamid Karra and Omar Abdullah, here’s a glimpse of the prominent candidates in the second phase of the 2024 Jammu Kashmir Assembly elections.
The second phase of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly elections will be a pivotal moment for major political parties in the region, as several high-profile candidates gear up for the polls. Among the 239 candidates contesting across 26 constituencies are Ravinder Raina of the BJP, Altaf Bukhari of the Apni Party, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference.
These constituencies are spread across central Kashmir districts of Budgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal, along with the Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region. Initially, 309 candidates filed their nominations, but only 266 were accepted, with 27 candidates withdrawing their papers, leaving 239 in the contest, according to the office of the chief electoral officer, Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the first phase, which saw a voter turnout of 61.38%, the second phase of voting is set for September 25. The third phase will take place on October 1, and the votes will be counted on October 8.
Key candidates to watch in the second phase:
1. Ravinder Raina
Ravinder Raina, president of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, is seeking re-election from the Nowshera constituency in Rajouri district. In 2014, he secured a historic win from this seat. This time, his main challenger is Surinder Choudhary, a former party colleague who is now running under the National Conference banner, with the backing of the Congress party.
2. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari
Altaf Bukhari, the wealthiest candidate in this phase, is representing the Apni Party from the Channapora constituency in Srinagar. He faces stiff competition from PDP’s Mohammed Iqbal Trumboo, National Conference’s Mushtaq Guroo, and Hilal Ahmad Wani of the BJP.
3. Tariq Hamid Karra
Tariq Hamid Karra, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, is contesting from Central Shalteng in Srinagar. He faces rivals from the PDP, Awami National Conference, and the Apni Party. A former member of the PDP, Karra was a vocal critic of the BJP-PDP alliance, which collapsed in 2018.
4. Omar Abdullah
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is contesting from two constituencies in central Kashmir: Budgam and Ganderbal. Budgam has been a National Conference stronghold since 1977, and in Ganderbal, the Abdullah family has held significant influence for decades. Omar faces competition from candidates of the PDP, Awami National Conference, and National Panthers Party.
5.Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (Sarjan Barkati)
Jailed cleric Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati, is contesting from Ganderbal and Beerwah. His nomination from Zainpora was rejected due to paperwork issues. Barkati is well-known for his role in the 2016 protests following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and is currently facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The results of the second phase are anticipated to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the final phase of voting.