Waheed Para of PDP Files Nomination for Srinagar Lok Sabha Seat, Set to Face National Conference Candidate

Waheed Rehman Parra, the youth president of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), filed his nomination papers for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday. Parra submitted his nomination to the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner, who serves as the Returning Officer for the constituency. He was accompanied by senior PDP leaders, including general secretary Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura.

The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase on May 13, 2024. A total of 17 candidates from various parties have filed their nominations for the seat, reflecting the competitive spirit and diversity of political representation in the region. Parra is set to face a direct contest with the National Conference candidate Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi.

In his address to supporters after filing the nomination, Parra stated, "The PDP embodies the aspirations of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. We pledge to be their voice in Parliament. I appeal to voters to grant our party an opportunity to advocate for their sentiments in the Parliament of New Delhi." He emphasized that the PDP has been the only party to raise the voice of the people in the last five years, especially after the events of August 5, 2019, when the Centre ended Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

Responding to the National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah's jibe that the PDP is the 'C' team of the BJP, Parra said, "We do not want to lower the political discourse. The people in distress are more interested in knowing what the PDP can offer them." He expressed confidence that the PDP will win all three Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir.

Other notable candidates who filed their nominations for the Srinagar constituency include Mohammad Ashraf Mir from the J&K Apni Party, Rubina Akhtar from the National Lok Tantrik Party, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat from the Ambedkar Samaj Party, and several independent candidates. The last date for filing nomination papers is April 25, 2024, and the scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on April 26, 2024. Candidates have the option to withdraw their candidature by April 29.

Why this matters: The Srinagar Lok Sabha election holds significance as it reflects the political dynamics and aspirations of the people in the Kashmir region. The contest between the PDP and the National Conference candidates will provide insights into the voter preferences and the impact of recent political developments in Jammu and Kashmir.

As the election process unfolds, the people of Srinagar are keenly observing the candidates and their promises. Waheed Parra's nomination has added a new dimension to the political landscape, with the PDP aiming to make a strong comeback in the parliamentary elections. The coming weeks will witness intense campaigning and political debates as the candidates seek to win the support of the electorate in the Srinagar constituency.

Key Takeaways

• Waheed Rehman Parra, PDP youth president, filed nomination for Srinagar LS seat.
• Parra to face NC candidate Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in direct contest.
• PDP pledges to be voice of Kashmiri youth in Parliament, confident of winning all 3 LS seats.
• 17 candidates from various parties filed nominations for Srinagar LS seat.
• Srinagar LS election reflects political dynamics and aspirations in Kashmir region.