NC announces candidate for Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat

SRINAGAR — In a noteworthy decision, the National Conference (NC) under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah has declared Mian Altaf Ahmad as its candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, covering Anantnag, Kulgam, Rajouri and other areas.

This declaration marks the initiation of the electoral battle in the region, with Mian Altaf Ahmad becoming the first official candidate named by any political party for this pivotal constituency.

Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of the National Conference (NC), asserted that Mian Altaf is the ideal candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, emphasizing his commitment to a campaign devoid of religious or other divisive lines.

Abdullah highlighted Mian Altaf’s extensive popularity across various societal segments, expressing confidence in his ability to garner substantial support from the electorate.

The announcement took place in the presence of several key party figures including Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, State Secretary Chowdhary Ramzan, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.

Mian Altaf Ahmad, a stalwart Gujjar leader and former Minister, brings with him a legacy deeply rooted in Kashmiri politics.

Hailing from the influential Mian family, Ahmad has served as a Minister and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Kangan, Kashmir, since 1987, initially contesting under the banner of the Indian National Congress (INC) before joining the NC.

The political lineage of the Mian family traces back to Mian Nizamuddin, followed by his son Mian Bashir Ahmad, both of whom held vital positions as MLAs and Ministers.

The family’s stronghold over Kangan is evident from their consecutive victories in nine Assembly elections since 1962. Mian Nizamuddin secured the seat in 1962, succeeded by his son Mian Bashir Ahmad, who won three subsequent elections. Mian Altaf Ahmad continued this legacy by triumphing in the Assembly elections of 1987, 1996, 2002, 2008, and 2014 from the same constituency.

The NC’s decision to nominate Mian Altaf Ahmad for the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary seat reflects a unified stance within the party.

A spokesperson for the NC expressed confidence in Ahmad’s candidacy, emphasizing the party’s anticipation of a significant voter turnout and a resounding mandate. The spokesperson further underscored the importance of reclaiming Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, “urging voters to thwart any attempts aimed at undermining the region’s integrity.”

The Mian family’s widespread influence extends beyond Kangan, resonating strongly in Jammu’s Rajouri and Poonch districts, now integral parts of the south Kashmir Lok Sabha constituency. Their enduring political legacy and grassroots support position Mian Altaf Ahmad as a formidable contender in the upcoming elections, poised to navigate the complex socio-political landscape of south Kashmir.