Voting set to begin at 9 AM; counting scheduled for 5 PM
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is set for a high-stakes political battle today as legislators vote to elect four members to the Rajya Sabha, the first such election since the erstwhile state’s downgrade to a Union Territory in 2019.
Polling is scheduled between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at three designated booths inside the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar, with counting to begin at 5:00 PM. The results could reshape the UT’s representation in the Upper House after more than four years of absence.
While the National Conference (NC) appears firmly positioned to win three out of four seats, the contest for the fourth seat remains closely poised, with both the NC and the BJP tied at 28 votes each.
According to political calculations, the NC-led alliance currently commands the support of 57 MLAs, including 41 NC legislators, six from Congress, three from the PDP, one from CPI(M), and six independents. The BJP holds 28 MLAs, while the voting choices of Mehraj Malik and Sheikh Khursheed remain undisclosed. Malik, detained under the Public Safety Act, cast his vote earlier this week from inside Kathua District Jail.
The NC’s strength was further bolstered after both the Congress and PDP extended backing to its candidates. Independent MLA Shabir Kulley has also pledged support, narrowing the BJP’s prospects for the final seat.
The first two Rajya Sabha seats are being contested separately. Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan and Sajjad Kitchloo of the NC are almost certain to secure these, with a clear margin of 57 votes each against BJP nominees Ali Mohammad Mir and Rakesh Mahajan, expected to receive 28 votes each.
The third and fourth seats are being contested jointly. Gurwinder Singh Oberoi (Shammi Oberoi) and Imran Nabi Dar of the NC, and Sat Sharma of the BJP are locked in a triangular contest. The two highest vote-getters will be declared winners. The NC is expected to split its votes strategically — 29 for Oberoi and 28 for Dar — while BJP MLAs vote for Sharma. The outcome of the fourth seat could hinge on independents, who are not required to reveal their ballots.
Earlier in the week, Congress skipped a key strategy meeting called by the NC. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah downplayed the absence, saying Congress follows its own process and its leadership will not support the BJP. He expressed confidence that all four NC candidates will emerge victorious.
The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, has not made a formal announcement but is expected to make a decision after internal consultations. Gurwinder Singh Oberoi personally met Mufti to seek her party’s support.
For the BJP, the contest is about salvaging pride. The party nominated Sat Sharma for the final round but its task is complicated after the JKPC announced it would abstain from voting, removing a potential ally.
Jammu and Kashmir’s four Rajya Sabha seats have remained vacant since February 2021. Today’s polls will end the gap and determine J&K’s representation in the national legislature.
Voting will conclude by 4:00 PM, and counting will begin at 5:00 PM under tight security. Results are expected before sunset.
