Srinagar – The National Conference (NC) has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for October 24, 2025. The party has nominated Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Shammi Oberoi, and Sajad Kichloo as its candidates for three of the four Rajya Sabha seats in the region. The announcement was made by NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar at a press conference held at the party headquarters in Srinagar.
According to Sagar, the decision to nominate these three leaders was made after extensive internal deliberations within the party leadership, under the guidance of NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah. He emphasized that the chosen candidates represent the party's focus on regional balance, inclusivity, and experienced national representation. Sagar stated, "These names reflect the party's commitment to ensuring a balanced and inclusive representation of Jammu and Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha. We are confident that they will effectively raise the concerns of the people at the national level".
Notably, the party has decided to keep one seat open, with ongoing discussions underway with its coalition partner, the Congress party. "We have kept one seat open, and talks are ongoing with the Congress," Sagar said. He did not clarify whether the National Conference intends to offer the Congress a safe seat or one where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a stronger hold.
The candidates themselves bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table. Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan is a senior NC leader from Kupwara district who has served as a minister in NC-led governments. He lost the 2024 Assembly elections to Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone. Shammi Oberoi is a businessman-turned-politician, the treasurer of the party, and represents the Sikh face of the NC. Sajad Kichloo, a former minister and ex-MLA from Kishtwar, also lost in last year's Assembly polls to BJP's Shagun Parihar.
The decision to keep a seat open for discussion with Congress suggests a strategic approach by the National Conference. Political observers estimate that the NC-Congress alliance has approximately 24 votes for the fourth seat, while the BJP currently commands 28 votes. This makes the fourth seat a matter of strategic importance, with the final decision expected after the conclusion of talks with the Congress.
The announcement of candidates comes at a crucial time as political activity intensifies in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls. With this move, the National Conference aims to strengthen its presence in the Upper House and ensure effective representation of the region's issues in Parliament.
In related news, NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani welcomed the Supreme Court giving four weeks to the Centre to file its response on pleas seeking restoration of statehood to J-K. "We welcome the timeframe and are hopeful that a decision will be taken and statehood will be restored to J-K," he said.
