Srinagar, Aug 27: National Conference on Tuesday released its second list of 32 candidates for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls.
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah will contest from the Ganderbal constituency, marking a significant shift in his earlier stance as the former Chief Minister had previously vowed not to seek a seat in the legislature of a Union Territory (UT).
This U-turn comes after the NC released a second list of candidates, naming Omar for the Ganderbal segment—a constituency he previously represented from 2009 to 2014 during his tenure as Chief Minister in the NC-Congress coalition government.
Omar had initially stated his reluctance to contest the elections under the current status of J&K as a UT, but after the seat-sharing pact between NC and Congress, he reconsidered his position. He acknowledged the pressure of running for office, saying, “If I am not ready to contest an election for an assembly, how can I ask the people to vote for that assembly?”
“I am conscious of one thing which I had not fully considered, and that is my mistake. If I am not ready to contest an election for an assembly, how can I ask the people to vote for that assembly? I don’t want to give a wrong signal,” Omar said.
The NC’s second list includes candidates for various constituencies across the region. Omar Abdullah will represent Ganderbal, while Salman Ali Sagar has been named for Hazratbal. Ali Mohammad Sagar will contest from Khanyar, and Shameema Firdous from Habba Kadal. Ahsan Pardesi has been chosen for Lal Chowk, and Mushtaq Guroo will represent Chanapora. Tanvir Sadiq has been nominated for Zadibal, and Mubarak Gul for Eidgah.
Saif-Ud-Din Bhat will contest from Khan Sahib, Abdul Raheem Rather from Char-I-Sharief, and Ali Mohammad Dar from Chadoora. In Jammu, Yashu Vardhan Singh has been named for Kalakote/Sunderbani, while Surinder Chowdary will contest from Nowshera. Ajaz Ahmad Jan will represent Poonch Haveli, and Javid Rana from Mendhar.
Er. Khursheed will contest from Gulab Ghar (ST), Javid Chowdary from Budhal (ST), and Javid Mirchal from Karnah. Mir Saifullah has been nominated for Trehgam, and Nasir Aslam Wani (Sogami) for Kupwara. Qaiser Jamsheed Lone will represent Lolab, and Chowdary Mohammad Ramzan from Handwara.
The NC’s list also includes candidates for constituencies in Baramulla district, with Irshad Rasool Kar contesting from Sopore, Javid Ahmad Dar from Rafiabad, Dr. Sajad Shafi Uri from Uri, and Javid Hussain Beigh from Baramulla. Farooq Ahmad Shah has been nominated for Tangmarg, and Javid Reyaz Bedar for Pattan.
In Bandipora district, Hilal Akbar Lone will represent Sonawari, while Nazir Ahmad Gurezi has been named for Gurez (ST). Ajay Kumar Sadhotra will contest from Jammu North.
