SRINAGAR: As Jammu and Kashmir approaches the initial phases of its assembly elections, an unprecedented number of independent candidates have emerged. With 44 percent of the total candidates standing as independents, they are poised to be significant players in the electoral landscape.
A total of 214 independent candidates are contesting in the first and second phases of the assembly elections. Of these, 92 are competing in the first phase, and 122 in the second. Among these independents are candidates from the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by jailed MP Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh, which has fielded 26 candidates across both phases.
In the first phase, which covers 24 assembly segments, independent candidates are prominent. For instance, Pampora will see seven independents, Tral six, Pulwama seven, and Kokernag (ST) six. Other constituencies with significant independent representation include Anantnag with six and Ramban with five.
Conversely, Srigufwara-Bijbehara, a constituency in the first phase, has no independent candidates. The only contenders here are PDP’s Iltija Mehbooba Mufti, NC’s Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, and BJP’s Sofi Yousuf.
For the second phase, covering 26 constituencies, 122 independent candidates are in the fray. Notably, Central-Shalteng and Eidgah have the highest number of independents, with eight each. Other areas like Ganderbal, Hazratbal, and Khanyar also feature several independent candidates.
However, no independents are contesting in the Kangan (ST) constituency. Additionally, 19 independent candidates have withdrawn their nominations across various constituencies.
This surge in independent candidates indicates a significant shift in the electoral dynamics, potentially influencing the outcomes of the assembly elections. (KNO)
