Ali Asad
Srinagar, Apr 18 : In a display of political fervor and strategic alliances, the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a significant development as three prominent leaders filed their nominations on Thursday. The political landscape was abuzz with activity as Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mian Altaf representing the National Conference (NC), and Zafar Manhas from the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party, stepped forward to enter the electoral fray.
Accompanied by a cadre of supporters and party stalwarts, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti made her presence felt at the nomination center. Her daughter Iltija Mufti and senior party leaders were accompanying her.
As per news agency, the event also saw the participation of Party Vice President Omar Abdullah. Expressing his unequivocal support for Mian Altaf, Omar Abdullah hailed him as the candidate of the India alliance, a coalition of parties aligned against the prevailing political winds.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah reiterated his confidence in Mian Altaf’s candidacy, emphasizing his potential to secure victory in the upcoming elections. The senior Congress leader GA Mir was accompanying the NC leadership.
However, the absence of veteran leader Ghulam Nabi Azad from the electoral contest did not go unnoticed. Responding to inquiries regarding Azad’s decision, Omar Abdullah maintained a composed stance, remarking that Azad’s nomination of a party candidate was anticipated. He added that the electoral landscape would ultimately determine the level of support for Azad’s party.
Earlier, the political maneuvering in the constituency took a surprising turn with Ghulam Nabi Azad’s unexpected decision to contest from the seat, followed by the nomination of Mohammad Salim Parre as the DPAP candidate.
As the electoral process unfolds, all eyes are on the upcoming elections scheduled for May 7th. With nominations open until April 19th, the political landscape in Anantnag-Rajouri promises to be dynamic and fiercely contested.
The historical significance of the Anantnag seat, coupled with the diverse demographics of the constituency, sets the stage for a riveting electoral battle. As the candidates embark on their campaign trails, the electorate eagerly awaits the unfolding drama of democracy in one of Jammu and Kashmir’s pivotal constituencies.
Mohammed Shafi of Congress won the seat in the years 1967, 1971, and 1977, followed by Ghulam Rasool Kochak from the NC in 1980, Begum Akbar Jahan Abdullah of PDP in 1984, Pyare Lal Handu of Congress in 1989, Mohammed Maqbool from Janata Dal in 1996, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of Congress in 1998, Ali Mohammad Nayak from NC in 1999, Mehbooba Mufti of PDP in 2004 and 2014, Mirza Mehboob Baig of NC in 2009, and Hasnain Masoodi from NC in 2019.
