J-K Polls: Former MLC Javaid Mirchal joins Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 18 : Former Member of the Legislative Council, Javaid Mirchal, on Sunday joined the National Conference in the presence of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, ahead of the upcoming assembly polls starting on September 18.
Speaking on the occasion, Omar said, "It is the good fortune of the National Conference that a leader like Javaid Mirchal who is connected to the public, who has a deep relationship with his voters and people, is joining the National Conference today. It is a big thing that Javaid Mirchal came to the National Conference but did not put any conditions... We are preparing for the elections and will field our candidates and hopefully, we will win."
The Party also posted on X from its official account that said, "JKNC President Farooq Abdullah and VP Omar Abdullah warmly welcomed former MLC from Karnal, Javid Mirchal and hundreds of his associates into the Party fold at their residence in Gupkar."
After the announcement of assembly polls in the Union territory that are to be held in three phases, many parties are seeing entry and exits of political leaders.
In a blow to Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad ahead of the assembly polls, former Jammu and Kashmir minister, Taj Mohiuddin has announced his resignation from the party.
Mohiuddin told ANI over the phone that he would rejoin the Congress soon.
Former cabinet minister, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, on Saturday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi and is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The polling in the UT will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4.
There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are general, nine are ST, and seven are SC. There are 87.09 lakh total electors, including 44.46 lakh are male, 42.62 lakh are female, 169 are transgender, 82,590 PwDs, 73943 are very senior citizens, 2660 are centenarians, 76092 are service electors, and 3.71 lakh are first-time voters.
Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of 10 years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti.
In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024.