74 candidates file nomination from Kashmir, Ladakh for phase-1

SRINAGAR: As many as 74 candidates have filed nomination papers for nine assembly segments going to polls in Kashmir Valley and Ladakh division in the first phase of elections on November 25, officials said.

Ganderbal and Bandipora assembly segments have highest number of candidates - 16 each - followed by Kangan and Sonawari segments at 10 each, the officials said.

Leh assembly segment has the least number of two candidates - a straight fight between Congress and BJP.

Gurez assembly segment close to Line of Control (LoC) in Bandipora district has four candidates, they said.

Nubra seat will see a multi-cornered contest as eight candidates have filed nomination papers, the officials said.

They said both Kargil and Zanskar constituencies will witness a quadrangular with four candidates filing nominations for each of these segments.

Today was the last day for filing of nomination papers for the first phase of polls in the state. The notification for this phase was issued on October 28.

The nomination papers will be scrutinised on November 7 while the last date for withdrawal is November 10.