ASSEMBLY POLL 2024: 310 candidates file nomination for 2nd phase

As many as 310 candidates have filed their nomination papers across 26 Assembly constituencies of six districts in Jammu and Kashmir, which are going to polls in the second phase on September 25, according to the officials. Thursday was the last day of filing nomination papers.

A statement from the office of Chief Electoral Officer said a total of 310 candidates have filed 329 nomination papers for the second phase. It said a total of 112 candidates have filed their nominations in Srinagar district, followed by 68 in Budgam district, 47 in Rajouri district, 35 in Poonch district, while 24 candidates each have filed nominations in Reasi and Ganderbal districts.

In Jammu division, for the three Assembly seats in Reasi district, a total of seven candidates have filed nomination from Gulabgarh (ST); 10 candidates have filed nomination from Reasi, while seven candidates have filed nomination from Mata Vaishno Devi.

In the five seats in Rajouri district, 11 candidates have filed nomination from Kalakote – Sunderbani; seven from Nowshera; 14 from Rajouri (ST); seven from Budhal (ST); while eight candidates have filed nomination from Thannamandi (ST), it said.

For the three constituencies in Poonch district, a total of 11 candidates have filed nomination from Surankote (ST); 13 from Poonch Haveli; while 11 candidates have filed nomination from Mendhar (ST).

In Kashmir division, for the two assembly segment in Ganderbal district, six candidates have filed nomination from Kangan (ST); while 18 candidates have filed nomination from Ganderbal.

For the eight seats in Srinagar district, a total of 18 candidates have filed nomination from Hazratbal; 10 from Khanyar; 20 from Habbakadal; 12 from Lal Chowk; nine from Channapora; 15 from Zadibal; 15 from Eidgah; while 13 candidates have filed nomination from Central Shalteng.

In the five constituencies in Budgam district, 12 candidates have filed nomination from Budgam; 18 from Beerwah; 17 from Khansahib; 12 from Charar-I-Sharief; while nine candidates have filed nomination from Chadoora.

The notification for the Phase-II was issued on August 29 and the last date for filing the nominations was on September 5. The nomination papers will be scrutinised by the respective returning officers on September 6, while the candidates can withdraw their nomination paper by or before September 9 in the office of the Returning Officer. Thereafter, validly nominated candidates will be in the electoral fray.

The polling day for these 26 Assembly constituencies in Phase-II is scheduled for September 25.