Omar Abdullah concerned over delay in Congress announcement

Sources in New Delhi told IANS the party high command is likely to announce the Congress candidates on Wednesday and pressure is mounting on Azad to throw his hat into the electoral ring for the Udhampur seat.

The increasing BJP influence in the Hindu dominated Jammu region is believed to have forced a re-think on the choice of candidates for the Congress high command, especially for the Udhampur seat.

Azad has strong pockets of influence in the three districts of Chenab Valley in Jammu region, forming the assembly segments for the Udhampur constituency.

These are Kishtwar, Doda and Reasi where Azad is seen as having done a lot of developmental work during his tenure as the state chief minister and also as the union minister.

Azad belongs to Balissa village in Bhaderwah tehsil of Kishtwar district.