Voting has commenced for four Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant electoral event after a hiatus of ten years. Seven candidates are contesting for these seats: four nominated by the National Conference (NC) and three by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The results are expected later today.
The political calculations indicate that the NC, with the crucial support of the PDP and Congress, is in a strong position to win three seats. The BJP is the leading contender for the fourth seat. All parties have issued whips to ensure their legislators participate in the voting process.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was among the first to cast his vote at the Assembly premises. The polling will continue until 4 pm, with the results to be announced after 5 pm. This election is historic, being the first Rajya Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019 and the first overall in a decade.
Analysts predict a nail-biting finish for the fourth seat, with reports of a close vote count between the NC and BJP. The support of independent and smaller party MLAs will be instrumental in determining the winner.
The current strength of the Legislative Assembly, shaped by the 2024 elections, is a key factor. The NC has 42 MLAs, but four are running for the Rajya Sabha and cannot vote. The BJP has 29 MLAs, one of whom has passed away. The Congress, with 6 MLAs, and the PDP, with 3 MLAs, are backing the NC. The remaining 10 seats are held by ‘Others’.
While the NC’s majority is sufficient for its initial candidates, the competition for the final seat is fierce. The BJP, with its 28 MLAs, is confident in its chances. The combined support for the NC from Congress, PDP, a CPI(M) MLA, and four independents creates a powerful bloc. However, the final seat remains contested, with the votes of Sheikh Khursheed and Mehraj Malik potentially being the deciding factor. The election outcome will offer valuable insights into the region’s political dynamics.