National: After the announcement of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, political parties are busy preparing in full swing. The parties have also announced the candidates for the first phase of elections. At the same time, some independent candidates are also trying their luck. Meanwhile, former judge and former senior leader of National Conference Muzaffar Iqbal Khan has announced to contest as an independent candidate from Thannamandi assembly constituency.

Muzaffar Iqbal Khan told news agency ANI, "I have been associated with the ideologies of the National Conference since my childhood. My ancestors were associated with the National Conference. I also followed its policies. I worked hard to establish this party. However, they ignored me, but when I saw the condition of the people here, I decided that I would contest the elections for them. I am grateful to the youth of Thannamandi. I will try to live up to their expectations."

Assembly elections will be held for the first time after 2014.
Let us tell you that after almost 10 years, voting will be held in three phases on 90 assembly seats of Jammu and Kashmir. In the first phase, voting will be held on 18 September on 24 assembly seats of the state. Similarly, in the second phase, voting will be held on 26 assembly seats of Jammu and Kashmir on 25 September 2024. In the third and last phase, voting will be held on 40 assembly seats of Jammu and Kashmir. 

It is worth noting here that assembly elections are going to be held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after 2014. The assembly was dissolved here in 2018. After this, in August 2019, Article 370 was removed and it was made a Union Territory. Voting is going to be held here for the first time as a Union Territory. The number of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir has also increased to 90.