BJP and National Conference Reveal Candidates for Jammu & Kashmir Rajya Sabha Elections, Political Race Heats Up

The upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections in Jammu & Kashmir have triggered a flurry of political activity as both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling National Conference (NC) declared their official lists of candidates for the region’s four upper house seats. The elections, set for October 24, are expected to significantly impact the Union Territory’s parliamentary representation.​

BJP Unveils Its Slate

On Sunday, the BJP Central Election Committee released its nominees for the elections in a press statement, affirming the party’s intent to strengthen its position in Parliament. Ghulam Mohammed Mir was named for one Rajya Sabha seat under notification 01, Rakesh Mahajan under notification 02, and Satpal Sharma was selected for two seats under notification 03. The announcements were made by Arun Singh, BJP’s National General Secretary and Headquarters Incharge.​

National Conference Announces Three Candidates

The ruling National Conference responded with its candidate list on Friday. Based on party strength in the regional assembly, NC holds an advantage for three seats, while BJP is positioned favorably for one. NC’s picks are Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, and Shammi Oberoi. The party also stated that it is in talks with the Indian National Congress for the fourth seat, hoping to secure an alliance.

​

Regional Implications and Political Stakes

These elections are deemed crucial for shaping the future political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. Both parties have placed strategic bets on their respective nominees. BJP aims to leverage a win to expand its local footprint and increase its representation in the national legislature. NC’s announcement reflects an effort to strengthen regional connections and uphold the interests of the UT’s constituents.

The final outcome will rest on party strength and coalition-building in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly, where NC, Congress, and allied independents together hold a majority over BJP and other parties. The contest for the fourth seat remains especially competitive, with ongoing negotiations expected until the last moment.​

Outlook

As campaigning intensifies and negotiations continue, the spotlight is on which candidates will emerge victorious and how alliances will shape the region’s voice in the Rajya Sabha. The results will influence not only the Union Territory’s direct parliamentary representation but may also set the tone for upcoming state elections and broader regional dynamics.