Jammu And Kashmir Election Phase 2: Six Female Candidates In Poll Fray
In the second phase of Assembly polls, a total of six female candidates are in the poll fray. Among them, four candidates – Asiea Naqash (Hazratbal), Shameema Firdous (Habba Kadal), Nilofar Sajad Gandru (Chadoora), and Rubina Akhter (Habba Kadal) are seeking electoral mandate from Kashmir division.
Diksha Kaluria (Reasi) and Pinty Devi (Kalakote-Sunderbani) are the two candidates from Jammu division.
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Asiea Naqash – Hazratbal
Former minister Asiea Naqash or Asiya Naqash is the PDP nominee from Hazratbal. In the 2014 election, her debut contest from the constituency, she defeated NC candidate Mohammad Syed Akhoon by a margin of 3400 votes. Her victory identified a significant political shift in the constituency, breaking its long-standing association with NC. She was then appointed as minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government. Presented as PDP’s strong candidate, senior woman politician is pitted against NC’s new face, Salman Sagar.
Shamim Firdous – Habba Kadal
Senior NC leader and former minister Shamim Firdous is vying for a hattrick from Habba Kadal constituency. In the 2008 polls, Firdous secured 2374 votes and defeated BJP’s Hira Lal Chatta by a margin of 1702 votes. In 2014, she retained the position by defeating BJP nominee Moti Koul by 2359 votes. She also serves as the State President of NC’s Women Wing. Firdous and NC are facing tough competition in Habba Kadal this time. Though 16 candidates are in the fray, as per the reports, the direct contest appears to be between Firdous and PDP’s Irshad Laigroo.
Nilofar Sajad Gandru – Chadoora
Nilofar Sajad Gandru is an independent candidate fielding from Chadoora constituency. Initially, she wished to contest from Pulwama, her hometown, but nomination papers were rejected due to some issues. Subsequently, she submitted her form from Chadoora constituency, where her family is currently staying. Nilofar told Kashmir Convener that she decided to enter politics after noticing the exploitation of youth by both politicians and officials. “I have seen the suffering of Kashmiris for long, and I believe they deserve a dignified life. I will use my pen symbol to fight for justice and bring a real smile on their faces,” Kashmir Convener quotes, as she is saying.
Rubina Akhter – Habba Kadal
Rubina Akhter is a National Loktantrik Party candidate from Habba Kadal in Srinagar. An official spokesperson of the party stated that her candidature marked a pivotal moment, and Akhter, for a long time, has been a champion for the underrepresented communities in Jammu & Kashmir. After submitting her nomination, Akhtar, in a statement issued, said, “The people of Habba Kadal deserve a leader who understands their struggles and is committed to bringing positive change.”
Diksha Kaluria – Reasi
Diksha Kaluria is an independent candidate contesting from the Reasi assembly segment. Citing her contributions, she told Kashmir Observer that, as a social activist, she has worked in the Reasi area for the last several years and was able to develop heritage sites. She then added that if she is elected, she will focus on the better education, empowerment, and safety of the women. In the 2014 election, BJP candidate Ajay Nanda won the seat by defeating Saraf Singh by a margin of 1887 votes.
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Pinty Devi – Kalakote-Sunderbani
Pinty Devi is an independent candidate fielding from Kalakote-Sunderbani constituency in Rajouri district. In the 2014 polls, BJP’s Abdul Ghani Kohli won the election by defeating NC candidate Rachhpal Singh.
The second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election is scheduled to be held on September 26.
