Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Oct 7: As the counting of votes is scheduled on Tuesday-October 08, the political careers of more than half a dozen veteran political leaders are at a critical juncture. Their experience and electoral history may give them an edge, but with new challengers emerging, the results could signal a shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
As per the details, Jammu and Kashmir is eagerly awaiting the results of its 2024 Assembly elections, and several veteran political figures find themselves at a crossroads. These elections, held after a decade-long hiatus, have pitted seasoned politicians—many of whom are hoping for a “hat-trick” or even a fourth and fifth consecutive win—against new faces eager to reshape the political landscape. The political careers of over half a dozen former MLAs and ministers are now on the line, as their long-standing credibility hangs in the balance.
Among those seeking a third consecutive victory is Ajay Sadotra of the National Conference, a two-time MLA from the Marh constituency. Joining him in this bid are other notable figures, such as former ministers Sham Lal Sharma (Jammu North), Surjit Singh (Samba), and Raman Bhalla (Gandhinagar), all of whom have held their seats for two terms and hope to solidify their political legacy.
However, the stakes are even higher for political veterans like Tara Chand, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who is eyeing his fourth win from the Chhamb constituency. Chand, who has represented Chhamb three times—1996, 2002, and 2008—has a storied history in J&K politics, having also served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. After a brief defection to Ghulam Nabi Azad’s camp in 2022, Chand rejoined the Congress and now seeks to extend his electoral success.
Similarly, Harsh Dev Singh, the former education minister and long-time representative of Ramnagar, is hoping to revive his political career. After serving as the president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party and later joining the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022, Singh returned to the Panthers Party in 2023 and is again contesting elections.
In Kishtwar, Ghulam Mohammad Saruri is aiming for a comeback after parting ways with the Congress in 2022. Saruri, a former minister with a consistent electoral record in Indrawal since 2002, is now running as an independent candidate. Meanwhile, Choudhary Lal Singh, who has represented Basohli multiple times and served in the PDP-BJP coalition government, also remains a prominent contender.
Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, known for his integrity and long-standing affiliation with the CPI (M), seeks a fifth term from Kulgam. Tarigami’s standing in his constituency remains strong, but the election will test his continued influence in the region.
Tariq Hameed Karra, former MP from Srinagar and now State Congress President, is another heavyweight with a storied past. His notable victory over National Conference stalwart Dr. Farooq Abdullah in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections marked a turning point in J&K politics, and Karra is once again in the fray, aiming to replicate his success this time in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
Rounding out the list of seasoned politicians are National Conference leaders Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mubarak Gul. Sagar, who has represented Srinagar’s Khaniyar constituency since 1996, and Gul, who has held the Eidgah seat since 1983, are both fighting for their constituencies’ trust once more.
