Tussle for Mandate between two new Congress entrants
Suhail Khan
Kreeri, 05 Sep: The upcoming Assembly Elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have taken an unexpected turn, with political dynamics rapidly evolving and creating an atmosphere of intense competition.
This new phase of the election process has added an element of unpredictability, particularly in the Wagoora-Kreeri Assembly constituency, which has become a hotbed of political activity. With each passing day, the political scenario is becoming more intriguing, as fresh developments are reshaping the landscape.
The Wagoora-Kreeri seat is witnessing a fierce contest, as the major political forces in the region, including the National Conference (NC) and the Congress Alliance, are vying for dominance. Adding to the political drama is the return of PDP leader Basharat Bukhari and the involvement of former District Development Council (DDC) chairperson Safina Beig, both of whom are major players in the political battlefield of this constituency. The presence of these key figures is making the competition even more heated, as alliances shift and strategies evolve.
Top sources have revealed to Kashmir Despatch that all is not well within the Baramulla unit of the Congress party, following the recent induction of two prominent leaders. The entry of independent candidate Advocate Irfan Hafeez Lone and former PDP chief spokesperson Suhail Bukhari into the Congress fold has caused significant ripples within the party. These developments have created a sense of unease, particularly concerning the Wagoora seat, where the Congress is yet to finalize its candidate.
While the party’s leadership has not officially confirmed which of the two newly-inducted leaders will receive the mandate for the Wagoora constituency, sources indicate that an announcement is imminent.
Insiders suggest that Irfan Hafeez Lone is being considered for the seat, albeit with certain conditions attached. However, there is also speculation that the party leadership may favor Suhail Bukhari, given concerns over Lone’s past “harsh” statements.
This internal debate within the Congress is expected to be resolved soon, with a final decision on the candidate likely to be made in the coming days.
The political maneuvers of Irfan Hafeez Lone have also added to the unfolding drama.
Last week, Lone, a well-known social activist and advocate, publicly declared that he had joined the India Alliance, a coalition formed to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In an interview with Kashmir Despatch, Lone stated, “I have joined the India bloc to counter the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party.” He emphasized that this is a critical moment for uniting against the BJP and explained that, as the Congress is contesting the Wagoora seat as part of its alliance with the National Conference, his decision to join the India bloc reflects a commitment to ensuring unity in this crucial election. Lone further clarified that he would be fighting this election under the Congress banner.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, which will be held after a decade, has sparked significant excitement among both political parties and the public.
The Assembly has 90 seats, and the election will take place in three phases. The first phase of voting, scheduled for September 18th, will cover 24 seats across the districts of Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda. The second phase, on September 25th, will involve 26 seats in Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam, Poonch, Reasi, and Rajouri districts. The final phase, on October 1st, will see voting for the remaining 40 seats in the districts of Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla, Udhampur, Jammu, Samba, and Kathua.
