The entry of independents in the electoral fray is not restricted to Kashmir. They are also contesting in Jammu region. In the eight Assembly seats in the Jammu region going to polls in the first phase on September 18, 64 candidates are in the fray.Of them 25 are independent candidates while 31 candidates belong to political parties and 8 belong to parties who are other than recognized national and state political parties.The highest number of 10 candidates, including three independents, are contesting Bhaderwah constituency.The highest number of five independents are contesting the Ramban seat, where a total of eight candidates, including two from political parties, are in the fray. The three majority political parties National Conference, Congress and PDP, have alleged that independents are being “supported” by BJP to cut into their votes.‘Highest from Pampore’In the Valley, 43.22% candidates are independents. The entry of a large number of independents has made elections very unpredictable.The highest number of candidates are in Pampore constituency with 14 candidates, including seven independents, 4 belong to recognized parties and 3 to other than recognised parties. Only 49 candidates contesting belong to registered political parties
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