Early Voting and High Hopes: Former J&K Congress Chief Vikar Rasool Wani's Bid for Third Term

Vikar Rasool Wani, former president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee and a contestant from Banihal, expressed confidence in winning his third consecutive term. Facing opposition from six other candidates, Wani emphasized Congress's developmental work and criticized BJP for the delayed elections. Voters showed strong turnout, reflecting hope for development and end to central rule.

Vikar Rasool Wani, the former president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, was among the early voters in Ramban district's polling station, expressing confidence in winning his third consecutive term. Wani, a former minister and two-time winner of the Banihal constituency, faces six candidates, including National Conference's Sajjad Shaheen and PDP's Imtiyaz Shan.

After casting his vote, Wani criticized the BJP for the decade-long gap since the last assembly elections, asserting that the delays deprived Jammu and Kashmir of timely elections. He expressed optimism about Congress's developmental record winning voter favor, compared to the NC and PDP's tracks in Banihal, emphasizing strong voter turnout as a sign of people's desire for change.

Amid bustling queues, local resident Sajjad Ahmad highlighted development needs, including better connectivity and upgraded tourist infrastructure for economic opportunities. Wani reiterated Congress's commitment to fighting for development and statehood, marking this election as crucial for ending central rule and fostering regional progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)