Omar Abdullah, key candidates in the fray in second phase of crucial J&K Assembly polls- The Week

The second phase of the fiercely contested assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir is set to take place on September 25, covering 26 key assembly segments, including 11 seats from Jammu and crucial constituencies in Kashmir.

High-profile candidates from major political parties—National Conference (NC), Congress, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and JK Apni Party (JKAP)—are locked in an intense battle as they vie for control. This phase is critical for leaders and stakes are particularly high for prominent figures.

In Ganderbal, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah is aiming to reclaim the family stronghold but faces tough competition from PDP’s Bashir Mir and independent candidate Ishfaq Jabbar. Omar is also challenged by Sarjan Barkati, a cleric running from jail, and Sheikh Ashiq of the Awami Itehad Party (AIP), a former president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chanpora, a key constituency in Srinagar, sees JKAP President Altaf Bukhari in a critical battle to establish his party’s presence. His main opponent is NC’s Mushtaq Guroo, with businessman Iqbal Tramboo fielded by the PDP also in the fray. Bukhari is banking on his record as a former minister, but his prospects have been hurt by accusations of being aligned with the BJP.

In Nowshera, BJP State President Ravinder Raina is seeking re-election, facing off against NC’s Surinder Chaudhary. Raina, who won in 2014, is relying on the recent Scheduled Tribe status granted to the Pahari community, but the race remains tough, with Chaudhary garnering significant support from local voters.

In Shalteng, Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra is vying for the seat in a high-stakes contest against PDP’s Abdul Qayum Bhat, Awami National Conference’s Riyaz Ahmad Mir, and JKAP’s Zaffer Habib Dar. NC’s Irfan Shah is also contesting as an independent after disagreements within his party, adding to the complexity of the race.

This second phase is shaping up to be a litmus test for several major parties and candidates, as the elections remain highly competitive across the region.