J&K Polls: 14 Kashmiri Pandits Enter Assembly Race, Focus on Returning Displaced Community

Jammu: A total of 14 Kashmiri Pandits have entered the fray for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, focusing on the return and rehabilitation of their community members displaced from the valley. This initiative aims to address the plight of approximately 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits.

In previous elections, the number of Kashmiri Pandit candidates has varied, with a peak of 12 candidates in 2008. The community’s electoral participation reflects a continued effort to address their longstanding issues and secure political representation.

Electoral Focus on Habba Kadal

The Habba Kadal assembly constituency in Srinagar has become a key battleground for the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, with six of the 14 candidates contesting from this segment. The elections in Habba Kadal, along with 26 other constituencies, will take place in the second phase on September 25.

Candidates in Habba Kadal

• Ashok Kumar Bhat ( BJP )
• Sanjay Saraf (Lok Jan Shakti Party)
• Santosh Labroo (All Alliance Democratic Party)
• Ashok Raina, Panaji Dembi, and Ashok Sahaib (Independents)

Sanjay Saraf, a two-time former candidate for this seat, is focused on bridging community gaps and facilitating a respectful return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.

Notable Candidates

Vikram Koul, head of KP volunteers, expressed support for the participation of community members in the elections, despite ongoing frustrations with the implementation of return and rehabilitation policies over the past 30 years.

Rosy Raina (Republic Party of India, Rajpora, Pulwama): Raina is running for the Rajpora constituency in Pulwama district as a candidate for the Republic Party of India. Having moved to Kashmir five years ago, Raina began her political career as a Sarpanch in South Kashmir. Her campaign emphasizes her efforts over the past five years, which she believes have earned her the support of local youth. Raina is committed to creating an environment where Kashmiri Pandits can live without fear and move freely. She views her candidacy as an extension of her ongoing work to improve conditions for her community.

Arun Raina (NCP, Rajpora, Pulwama): He is contesting the election from Rajpora, having previously run for Lok Sabha seats in Baramulla and Anantnag. He shares the goal of improving conditions for Kashmiri Pandits and ensuring their return to the valley.

Ashok Kumar Kachroo (All Alliance Democratic Party, Bhaderwah constituency, Jammu):  Kachroo is the sole Kashmiri Pandit candidate from Jammu, aiming to represent the community's interests in the Bhaderwah constituency.

Rakesh Handoo (Zadibal constituency, Srinagar): Handoo is another candidate focused on addressing the issues of displaced Pandits and working toward their rehabilitation.

Dr. Sanjay Parva (Beerwah constituency, Budgam): Parva aims to highlight and resolve the concerns of the Kashmiri Pandit community through his candidacy.

Ramesh Wagnoo (Independent, Pampore): Wagnoo is running as an Independent candidate with a focus on the needs of the Pandit community.