Controversial leader and Baramulla Lok Sabha seat MP Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittihaad Party has also announced its participation in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The party released the first list of 9 candidates on Thursday. AIP's chief spokesperson Imam Un Nabi made the announcement during a press conference.
He stated that the candidates were selected after extensive consultations with the people and civil society. He emphasized that the selection was made in consultation with the people, following Rashid's instructions, to ensure that these candidates are chosen by the people themselves.
Imam Un Nabi further announced that the party is preparing to release its manifesto in the coming days. AIP's spokesperson added that Abdul Qayoom Mir will contest from Pampore, while Harbakhsh Singh, who left PDP on Tuesday, will contest from Tral.
He also mentioned that Sofi Iqbal will contest from Pulwama, Molvi Fayaz Wagay from Zainapora in Shopian, Mohammad Arif Dar from DH Pora in Kulgam, Suhail Bhat from Devsar in Kulgam, Hilal Ahmad Malik from Dooru in Anantnag, Aqib Mushtaq from West Anantnag, and Tauseef Nisar from Anantnag.
It is worth noting that Rashid, famously known as Engineer Rashid, defeated National Conference Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla seat in North Kashmir. Rashid is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail on terrorism charges.
For the first time since becoming a Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir will witness Assembly elections. The elections will take place in three phases across 90 Assembly seats after a gap of 10 years. Voting will be held on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The election results will be announced on October 4. The first phase will cover 24 seats, the second phase 26 seats, and the third phase 40 seats.
