Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 12 : Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday said that the party will consult its core committee before deciding on the next steps regarding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters, Karra said, "We have placed the discussion that took place between the central leadership and the National Conference before our core committee, and we will seek their opinion on this. I will inform them about the discussion that took place and seek their opinion on the next course of action..."
The announcement comes after the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Friday declared its candidates for three Rajya Sabha seats. The party named Chowdry Mohamad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi as its nominees, while the decision on the fourth seat is expected soon.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani said, "Candidates have been decided for three Rajya Sabha seats...Chowdry Mohamad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo and Shammi Oberoi. These three will be our candidates for the Rajya Sabha. The candidate for the fourth seat will be announced tomorrow or the day after."
He also clarified speculation about JKNC president Farooq Abdullah contesting the Rajya Sabha polls. According to Wani, Farooq Abdullah intends to remain in Jammu and Kashmir for the time being.
"...Farooq sahab decided that he is needed more in J&K. We too feel that his suggestions, guidance and experience can be better utilised here. He, too, wants to stay in J&K now," he said.
Meanwhile, earlier on Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced three candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections in the Union Territory. The party named Gulam Mohammad Mir, Rakesh Mahajan, and Sat Paul Sharma as its nominees.
Sat Paul Sharma is serving his second term as the BJP's Jammu and Kashmir state president. His first tenure was from 2015 to 2018. He was also part of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's cabinet in 2018.
Rakesh Mahajan is Vice-President of the state's BJP unit. Gulam Mohammad Mir was the BJP candidate from the Handwara Assembly constituency in last year's Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. He suffered a loss against the National Conference's Sajjad Gani Lone.
The elections for four Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on October 24. These seats have been vacant since February 2021, following the retirement of former members Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Shamsher Singh, and Nazir Ahmed Laway.