Thu Sep 12 18:16:00 UTC 2024: ## Kokernag Election Heats Up with First-Ever ST Contest, Non-ST Votes Crucial

**Srinagar, [Date]:** For the first time, the Kokernag constituency in Anantnag district is witnessing a fierce political battle between Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. This election, scheduled for [Date], has stirred up a lot of excitement, particularly due to the substantial support the ST candidates are receiving from the non-ST population.

While 10 candidates are in the race, political analysts believe the main contest is between three Choudharys: Zaffar Choudhary (NC), Haroon Choudhary (PDP), and Gulzar Choudhary (Independent).

Kokernag was recently designated as an ST-reserved seat following the delimitation process in Jammu and Kashmir. With a total of 91,280 voters, including a significant number of non-ST voters, the election outcome will depend heavily on how well each candidate can woo the non-ST community.

Zaffar Choudhary, who holds a prominent political lineage, is considered a strong contender. He has previously served as Minister of State during the PDP-BJP coalition government. Haroon Choudhary, a tribal leader with a solid vote base, recently joined the PDP. The independent candidate, Gulzar Choudhary, has garnered support from key figures in the area, including former PDP member Talib Hussian Choudhary.

Political analysts emphasize the crucial role of non-ST leaders, such as NC’s Peerzada Mohammad Sayed and PDP’s Ab Salam Reshie, who could influence non-ST voting patterns. With only 28,000 ST voters and over 63,000 non-ST voters, the candidate who can attract the majority of the non-ST votes is likely to emerge victorious in this historic election.

Read More