Jammu: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and state Congress chief Ghulam Nabi Azad were among four leaders who filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha seats of Jammu and Kashmir on November 8.

Abdullah's candidature is backed by the ruling coalition that includes People's Democratic Party (PDP), Congress, Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPM) and Panthers Party.

He was the first to file nomination papers at the office of secretary, Legislative Assembly, secretariat sources said.

The veteran National Conference leader was followed by Azad, veteran farmers leaders Trilok Singh Bajawa of People's Democratic Party and former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz of Congress.

Four seats to the Upper House from the state fell vacant after the end of the terms of Azad, Mirza Abdul Rasheed, Sharif-din-Shariq and Kushak Thiksey (all of the National Conference).

Scrutiny of nomination papers would be held on November 11 and elections, if necessary, would be held on November 18, the sources said.

PTI