National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah is engaged in a high-stakes battle to reclaim the Ganderbal Assembly seat, a constituency long considered a family stronghold. The seat has been held by his grandfather Sheikh Abdullah, his father Farooq Abdullah, and himself.
Following his loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla, the former chief minister has filed nominations for both Ganderbal and Budgam in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls. His emotional appeal to voters upon filing his nomination underscores the significance he places on re-election from Ganderbal, where he previously served as chief minister.
At a workers’ meeting in Ganderbal, Abdullah made a heartfelt plea, saying, “My honour lies in your hands,” as he held his cap in his palms. His sons, Zahir and Zamir, are actively campaigning on his behalf, while NC president Farooq Abdullah has also rallied support for his son.
Omar Abdullah first contested from Ganderbal in 2002 but lost to PDP’s Qazi Mohammad Afzal. He reclaimed the seat in 2008, becoming the youngest chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2014, he opted to leave the seat to Ishfaq Jabbar, a newcomer to the NC, who won but was expelled for anti-party activities in 2023.
Despite a strong NC support base, the entry of PDP candidate Bashir Mir has intensified the contest. Mir, who has unsuccessfully contested from the neighboring Kangan seat, has energized the PDP’s local cadre. However, some PDP workers are dissatisfied with the party’s decision to field him in Ganderbal.
In the 2014 Assembly polls, Mir lost to NC’s Mian Altaf by just 1,432 votes. He is well-regarded locally for his rescue efforts along the Sindh River.
While Omar Abdullah has previously overcome the “outsider” label, the presence of Mir complicates matters. Additionally, former NC member Ishfaq Jabbar is running as an Independent, capitalising on Abdullah’s previous exit from the seat.
The race also includes jailed cleric Sarjan Wagay, known as Sarjan Barkati, and Sheikh Ashiq from Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party. Abdullah has labelled both as “BJP agents” and potential vote-splitters.
Voter sentiment remains mixed, with some still upset over Abdullah’s 2014 decision to leave Ganderbal. However, his record of developmental initiatives, including the establishment of a central university in 2009, may bolster his support.
As the second phase of elections approaches on September 25, all eyes will be on Ganderbal, which has around 130,000 registered voters. Results will be announced on October 8.
(With PTI inputs)