Karra, others file nominations

On the last day of filing of nominations for the second phase of the Assembly elections, Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra was among the several candidates who filed their papers.

Karra, a former MP, was appointed the JKPCC president last month. He joined the Congress in 2017 after leaving the PDP in 2016. Karra was also a founding member of the PDP. Karra filed nomination papers from the Central Shalteng Assembly constituency in Srinagar district. He said the NC-Congress alliance was not for “electoral gains or forming a government,” but its aim was to defeat the BJP.

Congress expels party leader

• The Congress on Thursday expelled a party leader in Anantnag district for filing nomination papers as an Independent candidate “against the spirit of alliance” with the National Conference
• A party spokesman said the party had expelled Gulzar Khatana from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect
• He said Khatana had filed papers from the Kokernag (ST) seat as an Independent candidate against the spirit of the alliance

On Thursday, several candidates continued to throng the election offices and filed the nomination papers. The voting for the second phase will take place on September 25.

Abid Ansari, a senior leader of People’s Conference, said he had filed his papers, “marking a significant step in my election journey.” “Now, I humbly request your support & prayers. May Allah guide us & bless our endeavours,” he said. Ansari is contesting from the Zadibal constituency of Srinagar.

According to a BJP spokesperson, Ali Mohammad Mir and Zahid Hussain Jan filed their nominations from the Khansahib and Charar-e-Sharief constituencies, respectively. The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of BJP leaders, workers and supporters, reaffirming the party’s strong foothold in the region, he said.

Mir was accompanied by senior BJP leaders, including former MLC Charanjeet Singh Khalsa, and hundreds of party workers.

Simultaneously, in Charar-e-Sharief, Jan also filed his nomination papers, receiving substantial backing of local party workers. Jan’s campaign has gained momentum in recent days.