Leading political families in J&K poll fray

Jammu, Nov 26, 2008: The electoral battle in Jammu in Kashmir is witnessing a huge participation of leading Kashmiri political families who don't want to miss a chance to try their luck at the hustings. In the battlefield are members of Sheikh dynasty followed by Muftis, Azads and Baighs. Former chief minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's four family members are in the fray in the Kashmir valley.

Sheikh Abdullah's sons -- former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and former minister Mustafa Kamal -- are seeking mandate on National Conference (NC) tickets from Hazratbal and Baramulla constituencies in the valley.

They are followed by Sheikh's daughter and wife of former chief minister G M Shah, Khalida, who is contesting from Hazratbal against her brother as Awami National Conference (ANC) candidate, Farooq's son and NC chief Omar Abdullah is contesting from the Ganderbal seat.

Farooq, who relinquished Ganderbal seat for his son, had won it in 1983, 1987 and 1996. However, Omar lost to Qazi Afzal of PDP in 2002 in his first attempt to enter the state assembly.

Farooq, after having declared retirement in 2002, has jumped back into the electoral fray again and is contesting from new Hazratbal constituency.

Mustafa Kamal, who won Gulmarg seat in Baramulla district in 1987 and 1996, has this time shifted to Baramulla.