Srinagar, Apr 13: The Jammu parliamentary seat witnesses a unique blend of candidates from various educational backgrounds, ranging from doctors and lawyers to individuals with modest academic qualifications.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) six candidates, including incumbent MP and BJP nominee Jugal Kishore (61), hold educational qualifications equivalent to a 10th grade education. Conversely, Raman Bhalla (61), representing the Indian National Congress, has a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Law.
The electoral spectrum further includes professionals such as lawyers and doctors. At 75 years old, independent candidate Satish Punchhi, a 10th pass, stands as the oldest contender, while the youngest, 30-year-old Shikha Bandral of the National Awami United Party, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Indira Gandhi National Open University, obtained in 2020.Educational qualifications of all 22 candidates have been disclosed in their affidavits.
Notably, BJP candidate Jugal Kishore completed his 10th grade from the J&K State Board Jammu in 1981. Other candidates with varied educational backgrounds include independent candidate Principal CD Sharma (63), who holds an MA in Economics, B.Ed, and BA LLB; and independent candidate Parseen Singh (43), a 12th pass in science.
Among the contenders are individuals like orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Surendra Singh (66), an independent candidate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Dr. Prince Raina (37), another independent candidate with extensive medical qualifications including MBBS, MS, DNB, and MCH.
Notably, candidates like Swami Divya Nand (60) from the Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front and Bansi Lal (58), an independent candidate, represent those with modest educational backgrounds, with qualifications equivalent to middle school pass.
