Sarjan Barkati Challenging Omar Abdullah Ganderbal for Elections After Nomination Rejection in Zanipora Shopian

After the Election Commission of India (ECI) rejected Sarjan Ahmad Wagay’s nomination from Zainapora in south Kashmir due to an incomplete application, the jailed cleric and separatist leader, known as Sarjan Barkati, is set to refile his nomination. Reports indicate that Barkati will now contest the Ganderbal Assembly seat in central Kashmir, challenging former Chief Minister and JKNC vice-president Omar Abdullah.

Barkati’s nephew, Rehbar Ahmad, confirmed to The Indian Express that Barkati will contest from Ganderbal, a constituency historically dominated by the Abdullah family. Omar Abdullah, who won the seat in 2008, is again running for the same position.

Barkati’s initial nomination papers were rejected on August 28 because he failed to provide a complete signed oath certificate in time. While his family initially planned to challenge the decision in court, they have now opted for Barkati to contest from Ganderbal.

The decision to enter the elections has surprised many in Kashmir. Barkati’s daughter, Sugra Barkati, had previously filed his nomination papers and campaigned for her father’s release, hoping that a successful election might lead to his bail.

Previously affiliated with Ummat-e-Islami, Barkati was arrested by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in August 2023 over alleged fundraising activities linked to money laundering and radicalism. He had gained prominence through his leadership in protest rallies following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016. Barkati was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in 2016, released two years later, and re-arrested in August 2023.