SRINAGAR: Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir gathered pace on Friday as 74 MLAs had cast their votes by noon, with the National Conference-led alliance receiving a significant boost following public support from Independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed.

The polling, which began at 9:00 AM at the J&K Legislative Assembly complex, is being held to elect four members to the Rajya Sabha. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was among the first to vote, along with MLAs from major political parties and several independents.

Independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed, brother of jailed politician Er. Rashid, confirmed that he would vote in favour of the National Conference. “We are supporting the NC to ensure the BJP does not win. I will also be meeting the Chief Minister,” he said.

With Khurshee

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