The Final Countdown: Jammu and Kashmir’s Third Phase of Polling

As the third and final phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir started, the stakes are high. This phase will see the largest number of constituencies—40 in total.

With 24 seats in the Jammu division and 16 in the Kashmir valley, the results will shape the region’s political landscape for years to come.

Key Candidates in the Spotlight

Notable candidates include Sajad Lone from the People’s Conference, BJP’s Devender Rana, Congress’s Raman Bhalla, and Sheikh Khurshid, brother of Engineer Rashid. Each is vying for power, and the outcome could greatly impact their futures.

A Cloud of Protest

The elections face challenges. Just days before the final phase, the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel cast a shadow over the proceedings. In response, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties suspended their campaigns on the last day to protest.

BJP’s Focus on Dogra Pride

In the Jammu division, the BJP has centered its campaign around Dogra pride and the desire for a Hindu chief minister. This strategy resonates with many voters and is a key focus for the party.

Understanding the Geography

The distribution of seats reflects regional dynamics. The 16 seats in Kashmir are in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora, located along the Line of Control in northern Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the 24 seats in Jammu cover Udhampur, Jammu, Samba, and Kathua. This phase also includes seven reserved seats for Scheduled Castes, where the BJP is particularly optimistic.

Key Contests to Watch

Sajad Lone, who lost the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat to Engineer Rashid, is now contesting in Handwara and Kupwara.

Sheikh Khurshid, who retired from his government job after his brother’s victory, is running for Langate. He faces competition from Irfan Panditpuri of the People’s Conference and Independent candidate Kaleemullah Lone, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami.

Langate has been a stronghold for Rashid, who previously won there as an Independent in the 2008 and 2014 assembly elections.

Another candidate of interest is Aijaz Ahmad Guroo, brother of Afzal, a convict in the Parliament attack case. He is contesting as an Independent from Sopore.

Historically, Sopore has been significant, with the late Hurriyat chief Syed Ali Shah Geelani representing it three times before 1990. In 2014, Congress’s Abdul Rashid Dar won Sopore, and he is back as the party’s candidate. The Congress’s ally, the National Conference, has also fielded a candidate, leading to a friendly contest.

The Final Showdown

The battle in Jammu is primarily between the BJP and Congress. Their performance will be crucial in determining which combination of parties forms the next government in the Union Territory.

With so much at stake, all eyes are on the voters as they prepare to cast their ballots in this pivotal election.