Rajya Sabha Elections: NC Announces 3 Candidates, Negotiates with Congress for Fourth Seat
October 10, 2025 | Jammu & Kashmir Political Update
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Strategic negotiations unfold ahead of the October 24 Rajya Sabha polls in J&K.
The National Conference (NC) has announced Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Shammi Oberoi, and Sajad Kitchloo as its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu & Kashmir. The selection aims to reflect NC’s strategy for regional representation, diversity, and parliamentary experience.
A fourth seat is being kept open, with negotiations continuing with the Congress party for a potential seat-sharing deal. This move could reshape alliance dynamics and impact the Congress’s national influence from J&K.
A fourth seat is being kept open, with negotiations continuing with the Congress party for a potential seat-sharing deal. This move could reshape alliance dynamics and impact the Congress’s national influence from J&K.
Strategy, Candidates, and Political Calculus
- NC Candidates: Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan (Kupwara, senior leader), Shammi Oberoi (treasurer, Sikh face), Sajad Kitchloo (ex-minister, Kishtwar)
- Congress Negotiation: NC leaves final seat open, aiming for a power-sharing formula and maximum alliance strength against BJP.
- Assembly Numbers: NC leads with 42 of 90 seats, counting allies and independents. Congress: 6 seats, PDP: 3, BJP: 28.
Majority Needed: 23 for single-seat, strategic alliances key for fourth seat.
NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar: “We have finalized three nominees and kept one seat open. Talks with Congress are ongoing and strategic.”
Sources say Congress is pressing for a safe seat; the seat will likely be decided after more alliance meetings in Delhi.
Sources say Congress is pressing for a safe seat; the seat will likely be decided after more alliance meetings in Delhi.
| NC Candidate | District | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan | Kupwara | Senior NC leader, lost 2024 assembly to Sajad Lone |
| Shammi Oberoi | Srinagar | Treasurer & Sikh leader, key for NC minority outreach |
| Sajad Kitchloo | Kishtwar | Ex-minister, lost assembly to BJP; focus on experience |
Electoral Math: With the combined strength of NC and Congress—and likely support from CPI(M), PDP, and independents—the opposition alliance could win up to three seats. BJP, with 28 MLAs, may clinch fourth seat unless opposition unity holds.
Key Date: Rajya Sabha elections for all four J&K seats scheduled for October 24, 2025.
Context: These seats were vacant since February 2021 due to President’s rule and no assembly.
Key Date: Rajya Sabha elections for all four J&K seats scheduled for October 24, 2025.
Context: These seats were vacant since February 2021 due to President’s rule and no assembly.
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Political facts & strategy for J&K Rajya Sabha elections.
Why These Elections Matter
- Restores J&K’s voice in the Indian Parliament after long constitutional vacuum
- Strategic for policy— NC aims to amplify statehood, jobs and minority issues in Rajya Sabha
- Congress wants presence to support opposition unity (INDIA bloc)
- BJP targets at least one seat to retain its national position
Expert Insight: “These elections test opposition unity and determine representation balance for Jammu & Kashmir’s future in Parliament.”
— End of Report —
