Srinagar, Sep 6: At least 19 female candidates are in the electoral fray in the first two phases of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir while Indian National Congress (INC) has been the only party with no female candidate in the first and second phase.
As per the details available with The Morning Kashmir, a total of eight female candidates are contesting as independent candidates.
The independent female candidates include Bismah Nabi from Budgam, Pinty Devi from Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nilofar Sajjad Gandru from Chadoora, Diksha Kaluria from Reasi, Khatija Zareen from Lal Chowk, Fancy Ashraf from Eidgah, Meenakshi Kalra from Doda West, Gulshan Akhter from Anantnag West and Afroza Bano from Kulgam.
However, National Conference (NC) has reposed trust on three female candidates including Shameema Firdous from Habba Kadal, Sakeena Masood from DH Pora and Pooja Thakur from Padder-Nagseni seats.
The PDP has fielded two female candidates including Asiea Naqash from Hazratbal and Iltija Mehbooba Mufti from Srigufwara-Bijbehara.
As per the details, Afiqa is contesting from Chadoora on Rashtriya Samaj Dal (R) ticket while Rubina Akhter is contesting from Habba Kadal on National Loktantrik Party’s ticket.
Besides, Meenakshi Bhagat of Bahujan Samajwadi Party is fighting from Bhaderwah constituency and Daisy Raina of Republican Party of India (Athawale) is contesting from Rajpora.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has however given a mandate to a single female candidate, Shagun Parihar, who is contesting from Kishtwar.
Nonetheless, Congress has become the only party that has not fielded any female candidate from anywhere in the first and second phases of elections.
Pertinently, three three-phased assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled from September 18 while the counting of votes will take place on October 08.
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