National Desk
8 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a surprising outcome, seven independent candidates have secured victories in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, marking an increase from the 2014 elections, where only three independents were elected as MLAs. This result highlights the growing influence of independent candidates in the region’s political landscape.
Among the notable winners is Satish Sharma, a two-time Member of Parliament and former Congress leader, who contested as an independent from the Chhamb seat in the Jammu region. Sharma defeated BJP candidate Rajeev Sharma by a margin of 6,929 votes, securing 33,985 votes in total. Satish Sharma, the son of former Congress minister Madan Lal Sharma, successfully capitalized on his political experience and regional support.
In Inderwal, independent candidate Pyare Lal Sharma narrowly defeated senior leader Ghulam Mohammad Sarori by a margin of 643 votes. Sharma garnered 14,195 votes, while Sarori, who has previously held the seat twice, received 13,552 votes.
Rameshwar Singh, another independent candidate, triumphed in Bani by defeating BJP candidate and former MLA Jeevan Lal with a margin of 2,048 votes. Singh received 18,672 votes, while Lal obtained 16,624 votes.
From Surankot, Chaudhary Mohammad Akram, a rebel from the National Conference, emerged victorious by defeating Congress candidate Mohammad Shahnawaz by 8,851 votes. Akram’s stronghold in the constituency helped him secure this decisive win.
Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, contesting as an independent from the Thanamandi seat, defeated BJP candidate Mohammad Iqbal Malik by a margin of 6,179 votes.
In Langat, Khursheed Ahmad Shaikh secured 25,984 votes to defeat Irfan Sultan Pandapuri of the People’s Conference by 1,602 votes. Similarly, Shabir Ahmed Kulle won the Shopian seat, defeating National Conference candidate Sheikh Muhammad Rafi by a margin of 1,207 votes.
These victories reflect the increasing sway of independent candidates in Jammu and Kashmir’s political arena, showcasing a shift in voter preferences and regional dynamics.