Farooq Abdullah Withdraws from Rajya Sabha Elections Due to Health Concerns as National Conference Names Three Candidates

Farooq Abdullah, 88, has declined to participate in the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for later this month. (FILE)

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has withdrawn from contention in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections due to health issues. Following this decision, which seemingly concludes the 88-year-old leader's pursuit of a seat in the Upper House, the party officially announced three alternative candidates today.

Abdullah's withdrawal comes shortly after a week-long hospitalization, from which he was discharged only days ago. The former three-time Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has opted to step aside from the electoral process taking place this month.

The National Conference is aiming to secure three of the four Rajya Sabha seats allocated to Jammu and Kashmir. Candidates have until October 13 to submit nomination papers, with voting set to occur on October 24.

Political observers had widely considered this election as Abdullah's final opportunity to represent the region in the Rajya Sabha. The party had hoped to utilize his extensive experience and cross-party relationships at the national level, especially given growing concerns regarding the delayed restoration of J&K's statehood, which the NC believes has negatively impacted Omar Abdullah's elected government's performance.

The party has nominated three leaders: Chowdhry Ramzan, Sajad Kitchloo, and Shami Oberoi. Despite the strong pro-NC sentiment in recent assembly elections, both Ramzan and Kitchloo suffered electoral defeats in Handwara and Kishtwar respectively. Oberoi, who serves as the party's treasurer, is a trusted associate of Omar Abdullah.

The National Conference has reserved the fourth seat for its alliance partner, the Congress. However, Congress sources suggest this offer is more symbolic than substantive. Based on current electoral college numbers, the BJP is expected to secure one seat with its 28 MLAs in the assembly. The NC holds 41 seats with additional support from six independent MLAs and six Congress members. The People's Democratic Party, with three MLAs, has not yet declared its position.