J&K Polls: Tariq Hameed Karra and Ravinder Raina File Nominations

Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra and BJP chief Ravinder Raina filed their nominations for the upcoming assembly elections. Karra emphasized vote division by independent candidates, while Raina highlighted a strong BJP wave. Polling will be held in three phases starting September 18.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra filed his nomination papers on Thursday from the Central Shalteng assembly constituency ahead of the forthcoming assembly polls. Following the filing, Karra remarked, "I am a resident of Batmaloo and whenever there is something significant to be done for good, I come here to meet my people."

Addressing the issue of independent candidates, Karra asserted they are being "made to contest elections" with the intention to divide votes. "Independent candidates are being made to contest elections to divide votes," he said, urging people to discern right from wrong. "People of J&K know that I am the only one who has made strict decisions in the interest of people," he added.

Earlier today, BJP Jammu and Kashmir's chief Ravinder Raina also submitted his nomination for the assembly polls from the Nowshera Assembly constituency. Raina stated there is a significant BJP wave across the Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir have a total of 90 assembly constituencies, including 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). In the previous assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) secured 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) achieved 15, and Congress garnered 12 seats.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The Congress has formed an alliance with the National Conference for the election. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)