Tariq Hameed Karra is emerging as a key candidate in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections of 2024, particularly as he contests from the Central Shalteng constituency. President of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, Karra is a former minister and a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics, and was previously with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the Congress in 2017. 

 

His departure from the PDP was fuelled by his criticism of the BJP-PDP alliance, which he viewed as detrimental to the region's interests. Notably, he achieved a historic victory in 2014 by defeating National Conference president Farooq Abdullah in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, showcasing his electoral strength and appeal among voters. 

 

Karra's candidacy is strengthened by the strategic alliance between the Congress and National Conference. This coalition aims to counteract what they describe as "dictatorship" under current governance, focusing on restoring statehood and safeguarding regional identity. 

 

In his own words, Karra has framed this election as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for voters to influence the region's destiny for generations to come. Karra is fielded against Abdul Qayum Bhat from the PDP, Riyaz Ahmad Mir from the Awami National Conference, and Zaffer Habib Dar from the Apni Party.