STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Friday officially announced its nominees for three of the four Rajya Sabha seats due for election, while confirming ongoing discussions over the remaining one seat.
The elections, scheduled for October 24, will fill four seats from Jammu and Kashmir that have remained vacant since 2021.
NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar named the three candidates as Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Shammi Oberoi, and Sajad Kichloo.
Speaking at a press conference, Sagar said the party is effectively contesting three seats independently, confident of success based on the NC-led alliance’s strength in the 90-member Legislative Assembly.
Analysts note that the contest for the fourth seat is expected to be competitive, as the alliance collectively commands 24 votes for the seat, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds 28 votes, creating a high-stakes battle.
The upcoming polls will restore Jammu and Kashmir’s representation in the Upper House of Parliament following the end of terms for previous members in February 2021 and the Union Territory reorganisation in 2019.Kashmir Travel Guide
Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to CM did not speak specifically about a seat reservation for its alliance partner, Congress.
On Budgam and Nagrota by-polls, he said, “There is still time left for its nomination and we will announce our members at the right time.”