Voting is currently in progress for four Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant electoral event after a decade. Seven candidates are competing for these prestigious positions. The National Conference (NC) has put forward four candidates, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated three.
The political landscape shows the NC, bolstered by support from the PDP and Congress, as a strong contender for three of the four seats. The BJP, with its substantial legislative strength, is widely expected to secure the remaining seat. Whips have been issued by all participating parties, mandating their members to cast their votes.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was among the early voters, arriving at the Assembly premises to fulfill his civic duty. The voting process is scheduled to conclude at 4 pm, with the results expected to be declared after 5 pm. This election is particularly noteworthy as it’s the first Rajya Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, and the first overall in ten years.
A close contest is anticipated for the fourth seat, with reports suggesting a potential tie between the NC and the BJP. The final outcome hinges on the allocation of preferences and the support from smaller parties and independent members.
The assembly’s composition, based on the 2024 elections, provides the backdrop: NC holds 42 seats, though four of its members elected to the assembly are among the NC candidates and cannot vote. The BJP secured 29 seats, with one MLA deceased. Congress, with 6 seats, and PDP, with 3, are lending their support to the NC. Other parties and independents hold 10 seats.
While the NC’s majority appears strong for its first three candidates, securing a fourth requires careful coalition building. The BJP, with its 28 MLAs, is aiming to clinch one seat. The election results will offer a clear indication of the prevailing political currents in Jammu and Kashmir post-2024, and could influence upcoming by-elections.