SRINAGAR: As the highly anticipated Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections approach, the third phase of the election is witnessing a remarkable lineup of candidates from diverse political backgrounds, many of whom bring significant educational qualifications and impressive financial assets to the table.
Among them is Harsh Dev Singh, a three-time MLA and former Cabinet Minister, who is contesting from the Chenani constituency on behalf of the Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP). With his credentials as a law graduate with an MA in English and an advanced course in international humanitarian law from Harvard University, Harsh Dev Singh stands out for his education and the criminal cases registered against him. Three FIRs filed at Udhampur Police Station in 2017 and 2018 accuse him of offences under various sections of the RPC. However, none of these cases have been challaned, and Harsh Dev Singh claims they are politically motivated. His assets include Rs 13.25 lakh in movable assets and Rs 25 lakh in immovable property, while his wife holds Rs 79 lakh in immovable and Rs 38.99 lakh in movable assets.
Singh is the joint candidate of the National Conference (NC) and Congress for this election.
Another prominent figure is Shabir Ahmed Mir of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contesting from the Gulmarg constituency. Mir, who commands vast financial resources, has Rs 5.27 crore in movable assets and a staggering Rs 43 crore in immovable assets. His annual income for 2022-23 was Rs 52.82 lakh, reflecting his strong financial standing.
In Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan, the National Conference candidate, has Rs 5.70 lakh in movable assets and Rs 25 crore in immovable assets. His wife possesses Rs 7.50 lakh in movable assets and Rs 33 crore in immovable property, making them one of the wealthier couples in the electoral race.
Baramulla’s independent candidate, Touseef Mehraj Raina, has Rs 5 lakh in movable assets but no immovable assets to his name. Despite this modest financial standing, Raina has an annual income of Rs 4.36 lakh.
Meanwhile, Dr Kalimullah Lone, also an independent candidate, contesting from Langate, presents an unusual case with Rs 2.69 lakh in movable assets and Rs 22 lakh in immovable property, but he declared zero income for the current financial year.
Baramulla’s political scene also features Shoaib Nabi Lone, another independent candidate, who is significantly wealthier, holding Rs 2 crore in movable assets and Rs 19 crore in immovable property. His wife, though with smaller holdings, has Rs 10.90 lakh in movable assets, while the couple has liabilities of Rs 78 lakh.
In Sonawari, independent candidate Yasir Reshi disclosed assets of Rs 1.43 crore in movable property and Rs 25 lakh in immovable assets, but also carries liabilities of Rs 1.45 crore.
In Pattan, National Conference’s Javiad Riyaz Bedar reported Rs 25 lakh in movable and Rs 3.45 crore in immovable assets. His annual income stands at Rs 10 lakh for 2023-24.
Another National Conference candidate, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, contesting from Lolab, has Rs 40 lakh in movable and Rs 7.30 crore in immovable assets. He has liabilities amounting to Rs 19 lakh.
Rafiabad’s National Conference candidate Javaid Ahmad Dar revealed Rs 11.66 lakh in movable assets and Rs 4.57 crore in immovable property, with liabilities totalling Rs 23.49 lakh.
From the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Dr Narinder Singh stands out as a highly educated candidate from RS Pura. A PhD in Forestry and a professor at SKUAST Jammu, Dr Singh has Rs 77.08 lakh in movable and Rs 2.20 crore in immovable property. His wife also holds Rs 94.36 lakh in assets.
RS Pathania, the BJP candidate from Udhampur East, declared Rs 30 lakh in immovable property, while his wife holds Rs 17.38 lakh in movable assets.
BJP’s Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, a qualified MBBS and Diploma holder in Orthopaedics, is contesting from Ramgarh and declared Rs 4.5 crore in movable and immovable assets.
Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, National Conference’s candidate from Jammu North, disclosed assets amounting to Rs 2 crore in movable and immovable properties.
Sunil Verma, also of the National Conference, who is contesting from Udhampur East, is not as academically accomplished as some of his counterparts, with a matriculation-level education. However, his financial standing is formidable, with more than Rs 10 crore in assets.
BJP’s Satish Kumar Sharma, another candidate with only a matriculate education, contesting from Billawar, also reported immense wealth. Sharma and his wife collectively own assets exceeding Rs 15 crore.
Akhnoor’s BJP candidate and former SSP, Mohan Lal, declared Rs 69 lakh in movable assets and Rs 2.35 crore in immovable assets, though he also carries liabilities of Rs 85 lakh in housing loans.
Joginder Singh Kaku, the National Conference candidate from Nagrota, declared assets exceeding Rs 10 crore in movable and immovable property, showcasing his financial strength in the election.
Independent candidate from Jammu East, Chander Mohan Sharma, reported Rs 37 lakh in movable assets and liabilities of Rs 45 lakh, while his wife holds Rs 98 lakh in assets.
