Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Ghulam Nabi Azad to Contest Lok Sabha Elections 2024 From Anantnag-Rajouri Constituency

Ghulam Nabi Azad, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, is set to contest the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, as announced by his party, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).

Having ended his long-standing association with the Indian National Congress party in 2022, Azad established his own political entity, DPAP, soon after.

The decision for Azad to run for the seat was confirmed by DPAP leader Taj Mohiuddin following a core committee meeting.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Azad faced defeat in the Udhampur constituency against BJP leader Jitendra Singh by a significant margin, making this upcoming election his first parliamentary bid since then.

The Anantnag constituency, now expanded after delimitation to include parts such as Rajouri and Poonch, will witness voting on May 7 during the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

Key dates for the elections include the issuance of notification on April 12, the deadline for nominations on April 19, and the withdrawal of candidature before April 22.

Mohiuddin hinted at a potential alliance with Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party but noted that talks have not progressed significantly yet. However, the possibility remains open for other seats in Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI(M), senior leader M Y Tarigami announced that the party will not directly contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the objective of defeating the BJP and preventing their government formation in the region.

According to the recently released election schedule, Jammu and Kashmir will observe voting across five phases, with the results expected to be declared on June 4 following the final phase on May 20.