Congress, BJP Candidate Lists Released for J&K

The Congress and BJP have released their candidate lists for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections scheduled for September 25. Key Congress candidates include JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra, who will contest from Central-Shalteng, while BJP has fielded J&K State president Ravinder Raina from Nowshera. The Congress is running in alliance with the National Conference, with the two parties contesting 32 and 51 seats, respectively. Tariq Hameed Karra described the alliance as a 'national compulsion' aimed at promoting stability and welfare in J&K, despite the Congress being prepared to contest all 90 seats independently. BJP has faced internal conflicts over ticket distribution, leading to resignations within the party. The elections will be held in three phases, with results announced on October 4.