Jammu, September 10:
The voters of Banihal, located in the valleys of Pir Panjal, are as mysterious as the mountains. Defeating the party candidates, the people here have sent an independent candidate to the assembly twice and have also ensured a hat-trick for a candidate. Congress candidate Vikar Rasool Wani is a two-time MLA from here and has also been the state president of the Congress.
Despite the alliance, NC has fielded a candidate from here. BJP, which has made inroads in Chenab valley, is now eyeing this seat as well. Azad is in the mood to present a challenge this time too. Voting in the assembly constituency is on 18 September in the first phase. Banihal is the last assembly constituency of Jammu division, which connects Kashmir to Jammu via Qazigund.
Along with BJP, PDP is also trying its luck in this Muslim assembly constituency which has been the stronghold of NC and Congress. In 2008, Vikar Rasool Wani of Congress was challenged by independent candidates while National Conference remained at fourth position. In 2014, PDP remained at second position here.
Sajjad Shaheen of the National Conference has tried his luck from here in 2008 and 2014. However, this time the PDP has fielded Imtiyaz Ahmed Shan as a new face, due to which there is a possibility of a triangular contest in Banihal. BJP’s Mohammad Salim Bhat, Aam Aadmi Party and two independent candidates are also in the fray.
