Is Voting in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajya Sabha Seats Underway?
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Synopsis
Voting is now in progress for four Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir. With significant developments including the Congress party's support for National Conference candidates, this election is a pivotal moment in regional politics. Discover how this contest may reshape alliances and challenge the BJP's influence.
Key Takeaways
- Voting for Rajya Sabha seats has commenced in J&K.
- NC MLAs were the first to cast their votes.
- Congress has pledged support for NC candidates.
- BJP's influence remains strong, particularly for the fourth seat.
- All 90 MLAs are eligible to vote in this election.
Srinagar, Oct 24 (NationPress) Voting has commenced for the four Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir at the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar on Friday, with the ruling National Conference (NC) MLAs being the first to cast their votes.
In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress MLAs have opted to support the NC candidates in the Rajya Sabha elections.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) convened a meeting late Thursday evening in Srinagar, leading to this decision.
By deciding to support the NC, Congress has reiterated its political alignment with the ruling party. Senior Congress figure and JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra announced that all six Congress MLAs will back the NC candidates.
In a statement to the press post-meeting, Karra highlighted that defeating the BJP is the primary focus of the Congress-NC alliance. “Our partnership with the National Conference is robust and principled. Our mission is to ensure that the BJP experiences defeat in these elections,” he stated.
The Rajya Sabha election is anticipated to assess the strength of alliances and reveal any internal fissures among parties. As both factions prepare for this pivotal day, attention is now fixed on the vote counts -- and whether opposition unity can genuinely challenge the BJP’s dominance in the region.
The NC has nominated four candidates: Mohammad Ramzan Chowdhary, Sajad Kichloo, Shami Oberoi, and Imran Nabi Dar for the four Rajya Sabha seats.
In contrast, the BJP has presented three candidates for three Rajya Sabha seats and has nominated its UT unit president, Sat Sharma, for the fourth seat.
The NC holds an advantage over its competitors for three of the Rajya Sabha seats, while the BJP has the upper hand for the fourth seat, boasting 28 votes to the NC alliance’s 24. The PDP has also declared its support for the NC regarding the third seat.
All elected MLAs from the 90-member J&K Assembly are eligible to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections. These elections are being conducted after nearly 10 years due to the absence of an active Legislative Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir since February 2021.
Point of View
It is essential to observe the unfolding events in Jammu and Kashmir with an unbiased lens. The ongoing Rajya Sabha elections not only reflect the power dynamics within the region but also highlight the shifting alliances as parties strategize against the BJP. This election will be a true test of unity and strength among the opposition, and its outcome could have lasting implications for Jammu and Kashmir's political future.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of these Rajya Sabha elections?
These elections are crucial as they reflect the political alliances and power dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir, especially with the BJP's influence in the region.
Who are the main candidates in the election?
The National Conference has fielded four candidates, while the BJP has three candidates, including its UT unit president, Sat Sharma, for the fourth seat.
Why did Congress decide to support NC candidates?
Congress aims to strengthen its political alignment with the National Conference to effectively challenge the BJP's dominance in the region.
How many MLAs are eligible to vote?
All elected MLAs from the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are eligible to participate in the Rajya Sabha elections.
When was the last Rajya Sabha election held in Jammu and Kashmir?
These elections are being held after nearly 10 years, as there had been no active Legislative Assembly since February 2021.
