National Conference Unveils First List of Candidates for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections

The National Conference (NC) has announced its first list of 18 candidates for the upcoming three-phased assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The list was approved by NC president Farooq Abdullah. The NC and Congress have agreed to contest 51 and 32 seats respectively, with some seats assigned to their allies.

In a significant political development, the National Conference (NC) disclosed its initial roster of 18 candidates for the first phase of the impending three-phased assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. This list, ratified by NC president Farooq Abdullah, includes seasoned politicians and former legislators.

Prominent figures such as Justice (Retd) Hassnain Masoodi for Pampore and Mohammad Khalil Bandh for Pulwama have been selected. Additional candidates from key constituencies in South Kashmir include Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Mir for Rajpora and Sheikh Mohammad Rafi for Shopian.

As part of its alliance with Congress, NC will contest 51 seats while Congress will vie for 32, with each party allowing their allies the CPI(M) and JKNPP one seat each. A joint press briefing revealed there would be a 'friendly contest' on five Union Territory seats. The elections are scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1, with the vote count on October 4.