Jammu-Kashmir Elections: Former MP, MLA In National Conference's First Candidate List; 'Friendly Contest' With Congress In Five Seats

Following the finalisation of its seat-sharing agreement with Congress, the National Conference (NC) released its first list of 18 candidates on Monday (26 August) for the initial phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The list, approved by NC president Farooq Abdullah, was announced via a post on X by the party. Among the candidates, former Anantnag MP Justice (Retd) Hassnain Masoodi was nominated for Pampore, and ex-legislator Mohammad Khalil Bandh was chosen for Pulwama.

The NC also revealed the following candidates: Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Mir for Rajpora, Showkat Hussain Ganie for Zainpora, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi for Shopian, and former minister Sakina Ittoo for DH Pora.

In South Kashmir, Peerzada Feroze Ahmad will contest from Devsa, Chowdary Zaffer Ahmad from Larnoo, Abdul Majeed Larmi from Anantnag West, Bashir Ahmad Veeri from Bijbehara, Reyaz Ahmad Khan from Anantnag East, and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo from Pahalgam.

In the Jammu region, the candidates include Mehboob Iqbal for Bhaderwah, Khalid Najeeb Soharwardy for Doda, Arjun Singh Raju for Ramban, Sajad Shaheen for Banihal, former minister Sajad Kichloo for Kishtwar, and Pooja Thokur for Pader-Nagsani.

After extensive discussions, the NC and Congress have agreed to contest 51 and 32 seats, respectively, in the upcoming three-phase elections. Additionally, one seat each has been allocated to the CPI(M) and the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP).

While the NC and Congress are contesting in alliance on 85 seats, on the remaining five seats, there will be a 'friendly contest' between the two parties as no negotiation could be reached on those seats.

The first phase of elections is scheduled for 18 September, followed by the second phase on 25 September and the third on 1 October. The vote counting will take place on 4 October, along with that of the Haryana assembly elections.