Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls 2024: Omar, Ravinder Raina Among Key Candidates in Second Phase

Jammu: All eyes are on the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, where some prominent political leaders will face off in crucial constituencies. With 239 candidates competing across 26 seats, key figures like former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari, and BJP ’s Ravinder Raina are set to test their electoral strength. The constituencies span central Kashmir’s districts of Budgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal, as well as Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region.

The phase follows a successful first round, which saw a voter turnout of 61.38%, and is part of a three-phase election process that will conclude on October 1. Over 2.5 million voters will cast their ballots at 3,502 polling stations, including 157 special stations designed to boost voter participation.

Polling will take place from 7 am to 6 pm, with webcasting at all polling stations to ensure transparency. As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, the outcome of this phase will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Union Territory.

This phase is expected to be decisive, with several high-profile leaders contesting in their traditional strongholds. Omar Abdullah, a central figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics, is running from both Budgam and Ganderbal, while BJP 's Ravinder Raina aims to retain his Nowshera seat in Rajouri. Their performances in this round could shape the political landscape of the region.

A closer look at prominent candidates of second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections:

Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and son of National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, is contesting from two key constituencies: Budgam and Ganderbal. Budgam has been a National Conference stronghold since 1977, with NC's Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi winning in the last three Assembly elections. Abdullah faces tough competition from PDP's Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi and Awami National Conference's Aga Syed Ahmad Moosvi.

In Ganderbal, another NC stronghold, Omar is up against over a dozen candidates, including Bashir Ahmad Mir of the PDP and Abdul Rashid Ganaie of the National Panthers Party.

Ravinder Raina

BJP 's Jammu and Kashmir president, Ravinder Raina, is seeking re-election from Nowshera in Rajouri district. Raina won this seat in 2014 but now faces a serious challenge from former party colleague Surinder Choudhary, who is contesting on a National Conference ticket with the backing of the Congress . Other candidates include Haq Nawaz from PDP, Manohar Singh from BSP, and Independent candidate Shiv Dev Sharma.

Tariq Hamid Karra

Tariq Hamid Karra, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), is vying for the Central Shalteng seat in Srinagar. Karra, a former PDP leader and critic of the PDP- BJP alliance, is up against PDP's Abdul Qayum Bhat, Awami National Conference's Riyaz Ahmad Mir, and Apni Party's Zaffer Habib Dar.

Karra, who joined the Congress in 2017 after resigning from PDP, is expected to play a crucial role in the party's efforts to make a comeback in this election.

Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari

Altaf Bukhari, the wealthiest candidate in this phase with assets exceeding ₹165 crore, leads the Apni Party's charge from Channapora in Srinagar. He is competing against PDP's Mohammed Iqbal Trumboo, NC's Mushtaq Guroo, and BJP 's Hilal Ahmad Wani. Bukhari's influence in the region, along with his wealth and party support, makes him a key contender in this election.

Sarjan Ahmad Wagay

Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati, is contesting from two constituencies: Ganderbal and Beerwah. Barkati, a jailed cleric, gained prominence during the 2016 protests following Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani’s killing. Currently imprisoned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Barkati’s candidacy is seen as a symbolic challenge to mainstream political figures like Omar Abdullah.

Barkati's arrest and charges, which include incitement to join terrorist ranks, have made his political journey controversial but also notable in this election.

Jammu and Kashmir Polls Second Phase: Key Details

During this phase, 93 candidates are in the fray in Srinagar district, followed by 46 in Budgam district, 34 in Rajouri district, 25 in Poonch district, 21 in Ganderbal district and 20 in Reasi district. The constituencies in Srinagar district are Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Central Shalteng and Eidgah.

The segments in Budgam district are Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-I-Sharief and Chadoora while there are two constituencies in Ganderbal district -- Kangan (ST) and Ganderbal.

The seats going to polls in Jammu division are Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (in Reasi district), Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST) (in Rajouri district), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST) (Poonch district).

With the second phase scheduled for September 25, these key candidates are poised to influence the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is keenly observing how voter turnout and political tactics will evolve throughout the election process. In the first phase held on September 18, approximately 61.38% of the electorate participated. The third phase is set for October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.