SRINAGAR/JAMMU, Aug 24: Fourteen candidates filed their nomination papers for Phase-I of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections today.
Eight candidates filed nomination papers from various Assembly constituencies in South Kashmir that are voting on September 18 in the first phase of elections to 90 seats in Jammu and Kashmir.
In Kulgam, four candidates filed their nominations today in 3 Assembly Constituencies of D H Pora, Kulgam and Devsar of Kulgam district.
Among these candidates, Sakeena Itoo from National Conference and Abdul Majeed Padder from Apni Party submitted their nomination papers for D H Pora in the office of Returning Officer.
Itoo filed her nomination papers before District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Kulgam. She was accompanied by NC vice president Omar Abdullah and other leaders of the party.
In Kulgam Assembly Constituency, Nazir Ahmad Laway from Peoples Conference filed his nomination papers in the office of Returning Officer.
In Devsar, Mohammad Sartaj Madni from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) submitted his nomination papers in the office of Returning Officer.
Madni while speaking to reporters said that the issues faced by J&K—whether social, political, or economic—can be resolved under the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP.
“For the development of J&K and the resolution of political issues, the PDP is the only voice and the way forward. I urge the people, if they want to see J&K peaceful and prosperous, with growth and development, the PDP is the only option.
Everything depends on the people—who wins or who loses. We will reach out to the people with our agenda,” he said.
Dr Mehboob Beg from PDP submitted his nomination papers in the office of Returning Officer Anantnag. This was the first nomination filed so far in the district Anantnag.
Speaking to reporters after filing nomination papers, Beg said that the real power lies with the people, not with any alliance or party.
“Every party and alliance will reach out to the people with their agendas, and the people will judge who best represents their aspirations and wishes. They will assess who has delivered on the ground, and that too in a short period—whether it’s the PDP or any other party or alliance that has ruled for decades,” he said.
“People will compare, and I trust that the people of South Kashmir will vote based on performance.
Speaking for myself, I addressed unemployment like never before when I was in office for Anantnag. We will present our performance to the people, and I believe that, considering what we have achieved, they will support us”.
Apni Party candidate Mir Altaf Ahmad Mir filed nomination papers from Pampore constituency in ADC Awantipora today.
Independent candidate Asif Nabi Dar of Samboora Pulwama filed nomination papers from Pulwama seat in front of Election Returning officer at DC office complex Pulwama today.
Another Independent candidate Suhail Ahmad Mir of Pinjoora Shopian filed his nomination papers from Shopian constituency in front of election Returning Officer at Mini Secretariat Arhama Shopian.
The last date for filing nominations for the first phase is August 27. Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases — September 18, September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be held on October 4.
Meanwhile, six candidates including former Minister of State for Home Khalid Najib Suhrawardhy joined the fray today for first phase of polling in Doda and Ramban districts.
Besides Doda and Ramban, Kishtwar is the third district of the Jammu division going to polls in Phase-I on September 18.
Suhrawardhy filed papers as a National Conference candidate from Doda Assembly constituency. He was accompanied by prominent party leaders and workers.
Tanveer Hussain also filed papers from the same constituency as J&K All Alliance Democratic Party candidate.
For Bhaderwah Assembly segments, two candidates joined the fray including Rajinder Nath Razdan (Independent) and Ashok Kumar Kachroo of Jammu Kashmir All Alliance Democratic Party.
Two more candidates jumped into the electoral fray from Ramban district.
Imtiaz Ahmed Shah of PDP filed his papers from Banihal while Suteesh Kumar submitted nomination papers as an Independent candidate from Ramban seat.
