Srinagar, Sep 06 (KNO): As preparations for the highly anticipated assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir continue, the Rafiabad constituency in north Kashmir, a long-time political hotspot, is set to witness a heated contest. The race is shaping up to be a fierce battle among candidates from the National Conference (NC), Apni Party and People's Conference (PC).
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Rafiabad constituency (8-Rafiabad) includes Watergam, Dangiwacha, Rohama, Tujjer, Bomai, Seelo and parts of Zaingeer, which were added following recent delimitation.
With approximately 130,000 eligible voters—57,000 males and 55,900 females—the constituency is a key battleground.
Candidates in the race
Javaid Dar (National Conference)
Javaid Dar, a long-time NC member, has a strong political legacy. His father, Mohammad Yousuf Dar, served as an MLA in 1972 under the Indian National Congress. Javaid Dar himself was elected as an MLA in 2008, securing 13,198 votes against PDP’s Mohammad Dilawar Mir, who received 12,982 votes.
Yawer Dilwar Mir (Apni Party)
Yawer Dilwar Mir previously won the 2014 assembly elections on a PDP ticket, garnering 17,918 votes against the People’s Conference’s Abdul Gani Vakil, who received 15,584 votes. Mir has a notable political background; his father, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, was a two-time MLA, winning in 2002 on an NC ticket with 11,576 votes and in 1996 on a Janata Dal seat with 9,084 votes.
Abdul Gani Vakil (People’s Conference)
An advocate-turned-politician, A G Vakil has contested the assembly elections three times but has yet to secure a win. In the 2014 elections, he was the runner-up with 15,584 votes. He also contested in 2008, where he received 7,513 votes.
Analysts say that Sajad Ahmed Dar of the Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) could act as a vote splitter, which could impact Vakil's chances in Zaingeer, an area where Vakil previously held influence.
In 2014, the Rafiabad constituency had 80,165 electors, with 55,451 valid votes. Yawar Ahmad Mir (PDP) won with 17,918 votes, while Abdul Gani Vakil (NC) was second with 15,584 votes, losing by a margin of 2,334 votes.
In 2008, the constituency had 70,900 electors and 36,772 valid votes. Javaid Ahmad Dar (NC) won with 13,198 votes. Mohammad Dilawar Mir (PDP) was second with 12,982 votes, losing by a narrow margin of 216 votes—(KNO)