Political upheaval continued on Friday as more leaders resigned from their parties ahead of the elections.
The latest to quit the parties included two former legislators, Aijaz Ahmed Mir from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Abdul Rahim Rather from the Apni Party.
Aijaz Mir, the former MLA from Wachi in Shopian, was upset over being denied a party mandate.
He announced his resignation from the PDP and is likely to contest as an Independent candidate.
“After being denied a ticket, many people and my workers approached me and suggested I contest as an Independent. I am willing to contest according to my workers wishes,” Mir said.
The PDP has named Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani as constituency in-charge for Watchi constituency, and in all possibilities, he is the party candidate.
Rahim Rather, a former MLA and District President of Apni Party, also quit his party, citing discomfort.
“I resigned as I wasn’t feeling comfortable in the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, Choudhary Haroon Khatana from Bidhar Kokernag in Anantnag joined PDP in the presence of senior leaders. He previously belonged to Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).
The announcement of Assembly polls in J&K has triggered a wave of defections, with several leaders switching parties in the Valley.
