Srinagar, Sep 23 (KNO): With two seasoned politicians—Shoaib Nabi Lone, backed by the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and Javid Hassan Baig of the National Conference (NC) expected to rekindle their rivalry from the 2005 elections, the stage is set for a high-stakes political showdown in the Baramulla Assembly constituency on October 01, as both candidates are seeking to secure the crucial seat.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Baramulla assembly segment, which acts as a key political battleground in north Kashmir, has 1,26,321 registered electorate, comprising 63,338 males and 62,978 females and 05 transgender voters, the highest number among all the seven Assembly Constituencies of the district.
The Assembly Constituency (10- Baramulla) also houses 158 polling stations, established across 127 locations to accommodate voters, the highest number in the district.
In total, 25 candidates—15 independents and 10 affiliated with various political parties are vying for the seat.
A Political Rematch: Shoaib Lone vs Javid Baig
Political analysts expect a highly anticipated rematch between AIP-backed candidate Shoaib Nabi Lone and NC's Javid Hassan Baig, as both leaders previously clashed in the 2005 assembly elections. Shoaib Lone, then an independent candidate, defeated Baig by a margin of 6,400 votes, securing 18,700 votes to the latter's 12,300.
Shoiab Nabi Lone (AIP)
Shoaib Lone, whose father Ghulam Nabi Lone was an education minister affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has a strong political presence in Kashmir. He entered the political arena by winning the Sangrama constituency in 2005 as an independent.
Lone, who was earlier affiliated with the Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), was the first prominent figure to join hands with Jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid. He is contesting the assembly elections with Road Roller assigned as a symbol.
Javid Hassan Baig (NC)
Baig has also had a prominent political career. He won the Baramulla Assembly seat in 2014 on a PDP ticket, securing 14,418 votes, while his closest competitor from the NC garnered 7,401 votes.
In 2018, he briefly rebelled against the PDP but later rejoined. After being expelled for meeting foreign envoys after the August 2019 revocation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status, Baig switched allegiance to the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) in 2020. However, his stint with JKAP was short-lived, as he was expelled in January 2024 over allegations of anti-party activities. Baig found a new political home with the National Conference in March 2024, which secured him the party ticket for the Baramulla seat.
A Veteran's Influence: Muzafar Hussain Baig
The presence of veteran politician Muzafar Hussain Baig, a two-time MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, adds another layer of intrigue to the Baramulla race. Known for his deep-rooted influence in the constituency, Baig is expected to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the election, even though he is running as an independent candidate.
His involvement could impact both Shoaib Lone and Javid Baig, as he commands considerable respect among voters in the region.
Aside from Shoaib Nabi Lone and Javid Hassan Baig, the Baramulla constituency has attracted a wide array of contenders. Notable candidates include Mohammad Rafique Rather of the PDP, Mir Iqbal Ahmed of Congress and Muzafar Hussain Baig and Touseef Raina as independents—(KNO)