Candidates File Nominations for Upcoming Elections in Handwara and Langate

Nomination Process Underway for Handwara, Langate Seats

The filing of nominations for the upcoming by-elections in the Handwara and Langate Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir commenced on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, and will continue till January 24, 2023. The by-elections are scheduled to be held on February 27, 2023.

Several candidates from various political parties and independent candidates have already filed their nominations for both constituencies. The scrutiny of the nominations will take place on January 25, 2023, and the candidates will be able to withdraw their nominations till January 27, 2023.

The Handwara seat fell vacant after the resignation of the incumbent MLA, Chowdhary Mohammad Yasin, in September 2022. The Langate seat fell vacant after the demise of the incumbent MLA, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, in May 2022.

Candidates Announced for By-Elections

Handwara Constituency

Several candidates have filed their nominations for the Handwara constituency, including: -

• Nasir Lone (J&K Peoples Democratic Party)
• Chowdhary Mohammad Yasin (Indian National Congress)
• Ghulam Nabi Malik (Bharatiya Janata Party)
• Shabir Ahmad Dar (Independent)
• Abdul Ahad Dar (Independent)

Langate Constituency

Several candidates have filed their nominations for the Langate constituency, including: -

• Mehbooba Mufti (J&K Peoples Democratic Party)
• Asgar Ali Karbalai (Indian National Congress)
• Abdul Majeed Bhat (Bharatiya Janata Party)
• Syed Mohammad Shafi (Independent)
• Ghulam Ahmad Bhat (Independent)

Significance of Elections

The by-elections in Handwara and Langate are being seen as a test of the popularity of the various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year.

The by-elections will also provide an opportunity for the voters of Handwara and Langate to elect their representatives and have their voices heard in the Assembly.

The Election Commission of India has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the by-elections and has urged the voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise.