Fri Sep 06 18:16:51 UTC 2024: – Omar Abdullah had previously stated he wouldn’t contest elections until statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is restored, but has now filed nominations from two seats in the upcoming assembly polls
– He is contesting from Ganderbal, a family bastion, and Budgam
– The elections are being held in three phases, with counting on October 8
– Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised as a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019
– The election is expected to be a multi-cornered fight with major players being National Conference, Congress, People’s Democratic Party and BJP
– Budgam and Ganderbal vote in the second phase of polling on September 25
– Omar faces competition from jailed cleric Sarjan Barkati in the assembly poll contest in both Beerwah and Ganderbal seats

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