Omar Abdullah, the National Conference (NC) vice president, has announced his candidacy for the North Kashmir Parliamentary constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. This decision marks his return to contesting elections for the first time since 2009. Abdullah explained that his choice of constituency was influenced by the BJP’s significant focus on North Kashmir, expressing a desire to challenge their influence in the region.
He said, “It has been decided that I will be contesting from North Kashmir because BJP is focusing a lot on North Kashmir. I want these powers to be defeated in North Kashmir.”
Abdullah emphasized, “My fight is not against an individual, it is against the skullduggery, treachery, and the political machinations of the BJP.”
This decision represents a shift from his earlier stance after the abrogation of Article 370, where he had stated that he would not contest elections until Jammu and Kashmir regains its statehood.
Baramulla Lok Sabha seat – a constituency set for close fight
1. The Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, covering 18 assembly segments, is a closely watched contest due to changes in electoral dynamics post-delimitation.
2. Peoples Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone poses a significant challenge to the National Conference (NC) in the largely direct contest for the seat.
3. The NC candidate relies on Shia support in areas like Budgam, Beerwah, and Bandipora, among others, to bolster his campaign.
4. Delimitation in 2019 expanded the constituency to include two Shia-dominated assembly seats from Budgam district, among others, altering the electoral landscape.
5. Previous elections saw NC dominate the seat, while the Congress and PDP have also secured victories. Independents like Sheikh Abdul Rashid, currently in NIA custody, remain influential in segments like Langate, where his party plans to field him despite his detention.