Srinagar, Mar 31 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president, Ghulam Ahmad Mir has been declared as its candidate for South Kashmir Lok Sabha constituency.

The decision to field Mir as its candidate from South Kashmir will likely trigger a tough competition from the constituency with PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and NC leader, Retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi as his arch-rivals in the polls.

Mir after being elected as party’s candidate this evening, while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that Congress is confident of emerging victorious from the constituency as people here are no longer supporting PDP, that betrayed the people and hurt their sentiments from time to time especially after forging an alliance with BJP.

“South Kashmir is no longer being considered as the bastion of PDP as people in large number are supporting Congress party now and will hopefully ensure the victory of Party’s (Congress) candidate in the upcoming LS polls,” he said.

He also informed that nomination paper for South Kashmir constituency will be filed on April 3rd. He added that the workers will also be geared up to ensure the victory in polls.

Reacting over PDP’s support in South Kashmir, Mir said, “PDP has lost its image and people don’t even want to listen its name now as it has hurt the sentiments of people.”

He further added that the Government of India and at present Election Commission of India (ECI) must ensure the safety and security of political workers who are being attacked ahead of elections. (KNS)