219 Candidates Compete in Initial Phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls

In the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, 219 candidates are contesting after 25 withdrew their nominations on the last permissible day. Initially, 280 nominations were submitted for 24 Assembly segments across seven districts. Post scrutiny, 36 nominations were rejected, leaving the current contenders in the fray.

A significant number of 219 candidates remain in the contest for the initial phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, as 25 withdrew their nominations on the last day allowed for such withdrawals. Officials confirmed the figures on Friday.

An initial count showed that 280 nominations had been filed for 24 Assembly seats across seven districts scheduled for voting on September 18. Thorough scrutiny led to the disqualification of 36 candidates, trimming down the list of contenders.

Notably, 18 of the 25 who withdrew were independent candidates. Additional withdrawals included five candidates from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (India) and Bahujan Samaj Party. Region-wise, five candidates were from Kashmir and 20 from Jammu division.

(With inputs from agencies.)