KINS DESK
Srinagar, Sep 05 (KINS): Incarcerated Muslim cleric Sarjan Barkati is set to contest the Ganderbal Assembly seat in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections.
This move comes after his nomination papers for the Zainapora constituency in South Kashmir were rejected due to missing documentation on August 28.
Barkati, currently in jail since August 2023, is expected to face stiff competition in Ganderbal, where National Conference (NC) vice-president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also contesting.
The constituency is considered a stronghold of the Abdullah family, adding further significance to Barkati’s candidacy.
Speaking to the media on his behalf during the nomination filing in Ganderbal, Adil Nazir Khan reiterated Barkati’s commitment to the democratic process. “I believe in the democratic process of India. I have full faith in the Constitution of India; that is why I am here, and we are going to Beerwah as well,” Khan told reporters.
Khan expressed confidence that Barkati’s nomination would stand. “We have filed all the papers, and we are hopeful that the form will not be rejected. There is no ground for rejection,” he said.
In the event of any further challenges, Khan laid out their backup plan. “If there will be any rejection from here, we will go to North Kashmir and try to file the nomination.”
Khan also explained the personal motivation behind his support for Barkati, highlighting the impact of his incarceration on his family. “I am fighting for Sarjan Barkati because his kids are like children without a father,” he said, underscoring the toll of Barkati’s imprisonment.
“Barkati’s wife, who was arrested, also remains in custody. This has left their teenage children in a difficult situation” he said.(KINS)
